Head mount display

ABSTRACT

The head mounted display of the present invention has a display part for displaying images to the wearer, a supporting part which supports the display part, which is fed out into a position in front of as eye from a position that is not located in front of the face, and which is moved from this position in front of as eye into this position that is not located in front of the face, and a mounting part which holds this supporting part, and which is mounted on the wearer in a position that is not located in front of the face, and is constructed so that the supporting part can move past the side of the head along the contour of the head. As a result, a display device is produced which is relatively free of unsightliness with respect to the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/154,893 filed Jun. 16, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,542,012which is a continuation of PCT International Application No.PCT/JP2003/016422 filed on Dec. 22, 2003, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a head mounted display which allows theobservation of video images while mounted on the head.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, video display devices which are used to observe videoimages while mounted on the head have been referred to as head mounteddisplays. For example, the displays disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Kokai No. H8-320453 and Japanese Patent Application KokaiNo. H7-284041 are known as examples of such displays. In the headmounted displays disclosed in these patents, a holding part that holds adisplay part has a so-called hair band shape, and the display part isheld in front of the eyes by mounting this holding part on the forehead.

However, in the case of such conventional head mounted displays, whenthe display is mounted on the head, the holding part that holds thedisplay part is positioned laterally along the forehead; accordingly,the following problem arises: namely, the display is relativelyunsightly. Furthermore, especially in the case of women, the problem ofcosmetics and the like adhering to the holding part also arises.

In most cases, such a video display device is constructed so that thisdevice is mounted on the head in a form that is wrapped around the head;such display devices include a binocular type in which a video displaysystem is formed in positions corresponding to both eyes, and amonocular type in which a video display system is formed in a positioncorresponding to only one eye, i.e., either the left eye or right eye.Of these two types, the binocular type is used mainly for the enjoymentof videos. In the case of monocular type displays, for example, use asdisplay devices or the like in wearable personal computers, or asdisplay devices that display instructions to workers, is expected.

Furthermore, although use as display devices or the like in wearablepersonal computers, or use as display devices that display instructionsto workers, is expected in the case of display devices of the monoculartype, switching of the display screen and the like, and operatingmembers such as operating buttons that operate the image display, arerequired in both cases.

In such head mounted displays, numerous operating members such asbuttons are ordinarily attached to a controller that is used to operatethe display device and the like, and the display is operated by anaction such as the pressing of these operating members. However, in thecase of a head mounted display, since video images are displayed withthe line of sight of the user blocked, it is difficult for the user toascertain where the buttons or the like are located in the controller.

In Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. H11-174991, a method isdescribed in which this problem is solved by disposing the buttons ondifferent surfaces making up the controller, so that visual confirmationof the positions of the buttons is unnecessary. In this case, however,it is not possible to install a very large number of buttons;furthermore, the buttons are installed on a controller that is separatefrom the main body of the head mounted display. Accordingly, thecontroller and the display main body must be connected by a cable or thelike.

Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. H11-136598, theoperating switch of a head mounted display that projects video imagesonto both eyes is attached to the main body of this head mounteddisplay. However, in the case of a monocular head mounted display, sincethe eye onto which the video images are projected may be switched, it isnecessary to construct the operating switch so that the feeling ofoperation does not vary greatly as a result of such switching. Moreover,especially in the case of a head mounted display of the type in whichthe eye that is used is switched by mounting the display with theup/down and left/right directions reversed at the time of mounting, itis desirable that the relative positions of the operating members notvary even when the up/down and left/right directions are reversed;furthermore, it is desirable to devise the display so that this relativepositional relationship is reflected in the display device.

Furthermore, in the case of monocular type head mounted displays, theoutside scene can be viewed with the eye that is not viewing videoimages; accordingly, such head mounted displays offer the followingadvantage: namely, such displays are relatively safe compared tobinocular type head mounted displays. On the other hand, since differentimages are seen by both eyes, there is a problem in that concentrationon the video image is impossible; furthermore, there are problems of eyefatigue and the like due to visual field competition.

As one countermeasure against this, a head mounted display which has amember that blocks light to the eye that is not observing video imageshas been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. H4-341078.

However, in the case of the head mounted display described in JapanesePatent Application Kokai No. H4-341078, since the light blocking memberconstantly covers one eye, safety problems occur in the same manner asin a binocular type head mounted display.

Furthermore, in the optical design inside the display part of aconventional head mounted display, since it is a prerequisite that theeye of the observer be disposed in a predetermined position (eye point),the observer can observe images in a favorable manner by utilizing themounting fittings to align the eye and the eye point.

However, during actual use, the eye of the observer is not necessarilydisposed at the eye point. For example, an observer using eyeglassesmust place the lenses of the eyeglasses between an eye and the displaypart; accordingly, the position of an eye is inevitably before the eyepoint. Furthermore, in cases where the observer moves or the like whilewearing the head mounted display, an eye may be intentionally shiftedfrom the eye point, so that the observer observes the images of the headmounted display while viewing the outside world. In cases where thedisplay is thus used with an eye shifted from the eye point, a loss ofthe peripheral portions of the images is unavoidable.

Furthermore, in cases where the display device is devised so that thedisplay part can be displaced between a protruding state and a retractedstate, the user must perform an operation that causes the image outputpart to protrude each time that the user uses the display. Furthermore,following the completion of use, the user must perform an operation thatretracts the image output part. Accordingly, a problem is predictedwhereby the display will be bothersome to use.

Furthermore, when the user utilizes the head mounted display device,various utilization scenarios may be envisioned, such as outdoor use anddesk work. The distance from the ordinary user to the object ofobservation naturally differs for each of these utilization scenarios.For example, this distance is approximately 50 cm in the case of deskwork, several meters in the case of use in an electric train, andinfinity in the case of outdoor applications. Utilization in which thehead mounted display switches between the outside scene and video imagesinside the device is also conceivable; in such cases, however, the usermust observe while adjusting the focus between the outside scene and thevideo images, so that the user easily becomes fatigued. Furthermore, themanner of feeling also varies among individuals. In addition, there aredifferences between the left and right in individuals.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was devised in order to solve such conventionalproblems. The first object of the present invention is to provide a headmounted display which is relatively free of unsightliness (with respectto the person mounting the display), and moreover to provide a headmounted display which allows the setting of a plurality of positions ofthe display part.

The second object of the present invention is to provide a head mounteddisplay in which the operability of the operating members is improved,and a head mounted display in which the state of the operating memberscan be displayed in the display part.

The third object of the present invention is to provide a head mounteddisplay in which a light blocking member can be appropriately insertedinto the visual field and removed to the outside of the visual field.

The fourth object of the present invention is to provide an imagedisplay device which can prevent image dropout caused by a shift in thepositional relationship between the display part and an eye.

The fifth object of the present invention is to provide a head mounteddisplay which is devised so that the display part can be displacedbetween a protruding state and a retracted state, and so that this canbe accomplished by means of a driving device.

The sixth object of the present invention is to provide a head mounteddisplay which can handle all types of conditions such as variousutilization scenarios, individual differences, and differences in visualacuity between the left and right.

The respective inventions described below have the object of achievingat least one of these objects.

The first invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis a head mounted display having a display part used to display imagesto the wearer of the display, a supporting part which supports thedisplay part, which is fed out into a position in front of an eye from aposition that is not located in front of the face, and which is movedfrom this position in front of an eye into this position that is notlocated in front of the face, and a mounting part which holds thissupporting part, and which is mounted on the wearer in a position thatis not located in front of the face, this head mounted display beingcharacterized in that the supporting part is constructed so that thissupporting part can move past the side of the head along the contour ofthe head.

Here, the term “in front of an eye” refers to a position in which thedisplay part can be used, and, in cases where the display part can bemoved with respect to the supporting part, refers to positions in arange allowing movement of the display part into a usable position as aresult of this movement.

The second invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the first invention, which is further characterized in that anaccommodating part that accommodates the supporting part is attached tothe mounting part.

Specifically, in the present means, an accommodating part is disposed inthe mounting part, and the supporting part can be accommodated in thisaccommodating part. In this invention, the supporting part can beaccommodated in the accommodating part when the head mounted display isnot in use, so that scratching of the supporting part can be prevented.

The third invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the second invention, which is further characterized in that thedistance between the side of the accommodating part that faces the headand the supporting part accommodating part is set so that this distanceis equal to or greater than the width by which the display part extendsto the inside from the supporting part when the supporting part isaccommodated.

In this invention, a space that is equal to or greater than the width bywhich the display part extends to the inside from the supporting partwhen the supporting part is accommodated is present between the insideof the mounting part and the accommodated portion of the supportingpart. Accordingly, the display part does not interfere even in caseswhere the supporting part is accommodated inside the mounting part up tothe tip end portion.

The fourth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the first invention, which is further characterized in that thecurvature radius of the mounting part and the curvature radius of thesupporting part are substantially the same, and this curvature radius isset at a size which is greater than the radius of a circlecircumscribing the back part of the head, and which is such that thedisplay part does not contact the face when the supporting part isaccommodated.

In this invention, since the curvature radius of the mounting part andthe curvature radius of the supporting part are substantially the same,the supporting part can easily be accommodated inside the mounting part.Furthermore, the display part does not contact the face when thesupporting part is accommodated while mounted on the head. Furthermore,the expression “curvature radius values are substantially the same”means that these curvature radius values need not be completelyidentical as long as these values are in a range that allows smoothaccommodation at the time of accommodation.

The fifth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the first invention, which is further characterized in that thecurvature radius of the portion of the mounting part that accommodatesthe supporting part is greater than the radius of a circlecircumscribing the back part of the head, and has substantially the sameradius as the radius of the supporting part, while the remaining portionof the mounting part has a radius that is smaller than this.

In this invention, the portion of the mounting part that does notaccommodate the supporting part is formed with a small radius;accordingly, the mounting characteristics on the head can be improved,and this part can be made more compact.

The sixth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the first invention, which is further characterized in that theposition of the display part can be varied in accordance with commandsfrom the control part, a plurality of set positions of the display partare stored in the control part, an input device for selecting these setpositions is provided, and the set positions of the display part includean accommodated position and an intermediate position of accommodation.

In this invention, the control device positions the display part in aset position that is input from the input device. Accordingly, if anappropriate position for the display part is input into the controldevice beforehand, then the display part can be positioned and used inthis appropriate position merely by performing a simple setting.Furthermore, “position” is a concept including not only the position ofthe display part in three-dimensional space, but also the attitude ofthe display part.

The “accommodated position” is the so-called home position of thedisplay part of the head mounted display (e.g., position ofaccommodation in the accommodating part formed in the mounting part orposition of accommodation in the accommodating part attached to themounting part), which is set, for example, in a location that isrelatively removed from an eye compared to the intermediate position ofaccommodation or emergency retraction position, such as beside the earand the back of the head. Furthermore, “accommodated” indicates that thedisplay part is located in a position defined as an accommodatedposition. Specifically, this is not always limited to cases where thedisplay part is accommodated inside the case as shown in the figures inthe following working configurations.

In this invention, the display part can be placed in the accommodatedposition or placed in the intermediate position of accommodation bymeans of a simple input from the input device. Here, the intermediateposition of accommodation is a position in which the display part ispositioned when it is desired to guarantee the visual field bytemporarily removing the display part from the image observationposition; it is desirable that this be a position in which the displaypart is outside the visual field.

The seventh invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the sixth invention, which is further characterized in that theintermediate position of accommodation is set in a position which issuch that the display part does not block the visual field.

In this invention, since the intermediate position of accommodation isset in a position which is such that the display part does not block thevisual field, interference with the visual field can be prevented byplacing the display part in the intermediate position of accommodationin cases where the observation of images is temporarily interrupted.

The eighth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the sixth invention, which is further characterized in that themovement of the display part from the image observation position to theintermediate position of accommodation is performed only by the pivotingoperation of the display part.

In this invention, since the movement of the display part from the imageobservation position to the intermediate position of accommodation isaccomplished only by the pivoting operation of the display part, thedisplay part can be moved from the image observation position to theintermediate position of accommodation quickly and by means of a simpleoperation.

The ninth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the sixth invention, which is further characterized in that themovement of the display part among the image observation position,accommodated position and intermediate position of accommodation isperformed at a specified speed selected from a plurality of speeds.

In this invention, since the system is devised so that the movement ofthe display part among the image observation position, accommodatedposition and intermediate position of accommodation is performed at aspecified speed selected from a plurality of speeds, the display isconvenient to use.

The tenth invention that is used to achieve the objects described aboveis the ninth invention, which is further characterized in that thesystem is devised so that the movement of the display part up to thepoint where the display part leaves the visual field is performed at ahigh speed, while the movement of the display part after this displaypart has left the visual field is performed at a lower speed.

In this invention, since the movement of the display part up to thepoint where the display part leaves the visual field is performed at ahigh speed, the visual field can be ensured in a short time.

The eleventh invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the first invention, which is further characterized in thatthis display is a head mounted display of the type that is mounted onthe head in a reversed attitude according to the eye used, one or moreoperating members that are used to operate at least the images that aredisplayed on the display part are attached to the portion mounted on thehead, and the shape or dimensions (or both) of at least one of theoperating members differ from those of the other operating members.

In this invention, the operating members are attached to the portion ofthe head mounted display that is mounted on the head (i.e., the headmounted display main body part). In cases where the operating membersare attached to this portion, the user cannot recognize the operatingmembers by direct visual observation during use. Accordingly, the systemis devised so that the shape or dimensions (or both) of at least one ofthese operating members are different from those of the other operatingmembers.

In actuality, it is desirable to devise the system so that none of theshapes or dimensions are the same in all of the operating members. Ifthis is done, the operator can discriminate the types of the operatingmembers by touch without searching for the positions of the operatingmembers, so that operating buttons with good operability can beobtained.

The twelfth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the eleventh invention, which is further characterized in thatan audio output part is present in the portion that is mounted on thehead, and the operating members are disposed in this audio output part.

Since the audio output part is mounted on the ear of the human being, ifthe operating members are disposed on this audio output part, the personusing the display can easily recognize the positions of the operatingmembers in sensual terms, so that a display with good operability isobtained

The thirteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the first invention, which is further characterized in that anactuator is provided which is used to displace the display part betweenthe position in front of the face and the position that is not in frontof the face.

It is desirable that the display part be devised so that the supportingpart is in a protruding state in a state in which the mounting part ismounted on the head of the user, and so that the display part is in astate that allows images to be viewed by the user when the display partis in the position in front of the face.

The fourteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat a sensor used as a starting trigger for the actuator is furtherprovided, and this sensor detects variations that occur in specifiedparts of this head mounted display.

The fifteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the fourteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat the supporting part that supports the display part is free toprotrude or withdraw with respect to the mounting part, and the actuatorcauses displacement of the display part by causing the supporting partto protrude or withdraw with respect to the mounting part.

The sixteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the fifteenth invention, which is further characterized in thatthe mounting part consists of at least two members which are connectedso that an angular displacement of these members is possible, and adriving member which drives these two members so that these members arecaused to undergo an angular displacement in the direction that reducesthe angle on the side on which the head of the user is to be clamped bythis head mounted display, and the sensor is a sensor that detects theangular displacement generated in the two members.

The seventeenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the fourteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat this display further comprises a contact part which is connected tothe mounting part and which contacts the ear of the user, and the sensoris a sensor that detects the pressure that is applied between themounting part and the contact part.

The eighteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the fourteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat the sensor is a sensor that detects bending of the mounting part.

The nineteenth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the fourteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat the sensor is a sensor that detects variation in the dielectricconstant generated in the space where the head of the user on which thishead mounted display is mounted is to be present.

The twentieth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirteenth invention, which is further characterized inthat this display comprises a sensor that detects the presence orabsence of mounting of the mounting part on the head of the user, and anactuator driving device that controls the actuator in accordance withthe output of this sensor during the driving of the power supply.

The twenty-first invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twentieth invention, which is further characterized in thatthe actuator driving device controls the actuator so that the displaypart is positioned in the position in front of the face when mounting onthe head is detected by the sensor, and controls the actuator so thatthe display part is positioned in the position that is not in front ofthe face when mounting on the head cannot be detected by the sensor.

The twenty-second invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the twentieth invention, which is furthercharacterized in that this display has power supply control means forcontrolling the driving and stopping of the power supply, and theactuator driving device controls the driving of the actuator inaccordance with the output of the sensor and instructions to the powersupply control means.

The twenty-third invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat this display comprises off-delay means for stopping the powersupply after a specified time has passed when an instruction to stop thepower supply is input into the power supply control means, and theactuator driving device controls the actuator so that the display partis positioned in the position that is not in front of the face when aninstruction to stop the power supply is input into the power supplycontrol means and mounting on the head cannot be detected by the sensor.

The twenty-fourth invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the twenty-third invention, which is furthercharacterized in that the actuator driving device moves the display partto the position that is not in front of the face during a specified timeset by the off-delay means.

The twenty-fifth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat the actuator driving device controls the actuator so that thedisplay part is positioned in the position that is not in front of theface when an instruction to stop the power supply is input into thepower supply control means and mounting on the head cannot be detectedby the sensor, and the power supply control means receives an indicationthat the display part is positioned in the position that is not in frontof the face, and stops the power supply.

The twenty-sixth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat the power supply is a battery or charging cell, the power supplycontrol means has residual power detection means for detecting theresidual amount of this battery's power, and the display part displaysthe state of the residual amount of the battery power according to theoutput of the residual power detection means.

The twenty-seventh invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the twenty-sixth invention, which is furthercharacterized in that the actuator driving device controls the actuatorso that the display part is positioned in the position that is not infront of the face after the display part displays a message relating tothe residual amount of the battery power when the residual amount of thebattery power drops below a specified amount according to informationrelating to the residual amount of the battery power that is output fromthe residual power detection means, and the power supply control meanscuts off the power supply when the display part reaches the positionthat is not in front of the face.

The twenty-eighth invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the twenty-seventh invention, which is furthercharacterized in that the actuator driving device controls the actuatorso that the display part is positioned in the position that is not infront of the face in accordance with information relating to both theresidual amount of the battery power and the detection of mounting onthe head by the sensor.

The twenty-ninth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat in cases where an instruction to start the driving of the powersupply is sent to the power supply control means and mounting on thehead is not detected by the sensor, the actuator driving device controlsthe actuator so that the display part is positioned in the position thatis in front of the face.

The thirtieth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat in cases where an instruction to start the driving of the powersupply is sent to the power supply control means and mounting on thehead is not detected by the sensor, the actuator driving device controlsthe actuator so that the display part is positioned in the secondposition.

The thirty-first invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the twenty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat in cases where an instruction to start the driving of the powersupply is sent to the power supply control means and mounting on thehead is not detected by the sensor, the actuator driving device controlsthe actuator so that the display part is positioned in the position thatis not in front of the face if the display part is positioned in theposition that is in front of the face, and controls the actuator so thatthe display part is positioned in the position that is in front of theface if the display part is positioned in the position that is not infront of the face.

The thirty-second invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the twenty-second invention, which is furthercharacterized in that in cases where an instruction to start the drivingof the power supply is sent to the power supply control means andmounting on the head is not detected by the sensor, the actuator drivingdevice controls the actuator so that the display part is placed in astate which allows the selection of either the position that is in frontof the face or the position that is not in front of the face.

The thirty-third invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the first invention, which is further characterized in thatthis display has light blocking means for covering the eye that is notviewing video images, and has means for prompting the respectiveswitched use of the display part on the eye on the side on which thelight blocking means is being used, and of the light blocking means onthe eye on the side on which the display part is being used.

If a state is continued for an excessively long period of time in whichimages are observed with only one eye while the other eye is covered bythe light blocking plate, eye fatigue and mental fatigue occur, so thatthere is a danger that such a situation is not good for one's health. Inthis invention, since the switching of the eye using the display partand the eye using the light blocking means is prompted at appropriatetimes, the occurrence of such a state can be prevented.

The thirty-fourth invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the thirty-third invention, which is furthercharacterized in that the means for prompting the switched use promptsthis switched use on the basis of the length of time that the videoimages have been displayed.

In this invention, since switched use is prompted on the basis of thetime for which the video images are displayed, the continued viewing ofvideo images by the same eye for a period of time exceeding a fixedperiod of time can be prevented.

The thirty-fifth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-third invention, which is further characterized inthat this display has light blocking means for covering the eye that isnot observing video images, and a structure that allows switchingbetween a state in which the eye is covered by the light blocking meansand a state in which the eye is not covered by the light blocking means,and the state in which the eye is not covered by the light blockingmeans is formed by retracting the light blocking means to the outside ofthe visual field of the eye that is not observing video images.

In this invention, since the light blocking means is retracted to theoutside of the visual field of the eye that is not observing videoimages, the system can be securely devised so that there is nointerference with the visual field of the eye that is not observingvideo images.

The thirty-sixth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-fifth invention, which is further characterized inthat the state in which the eye is not covered by the light blockingmeans is formed by retracting the light blocking means to the backsurface of the display part.

In this invention, the system is devised so that a state in which thelight blocking means does not cover the eye can be obtained byretracting the light blocking means to the back surface of the displaypart. Accordingly, the back surface of the display part can beeffectively utilized.

The thirty-seventh invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is the thirty-fifth invention, which is furthercharacterized in that this display further comprises a supporting partto which the display part is attached and the light blocking means, anda portion of the light blocking means is accommodated inside themounting part, so that a state is produced in which the eye is notcovered.

In this invention, the system is devised so that a state in which thelight blocking means does not cover the eye is obtained by accommodatinga portion of the light blocking means inside the mounting part.Accordingly, a state in which the light blocking means does not coverthe eye can be realized using a simple structure.

The thirty-eighth invention that is used to achieve the objectsdescribed above is a head mounted display having a display part fordisplaying images to the wearer, and a mounting part which directly orindirectly holds the display part and is mounted on the wearer in aposition other than a position in front of the face of the wearer, thishead mounted display being characterized in that the display part has atwo-dimensional display element and an ocular optical system that formsa false image of the display screen of this two-dimensional displayelement, and has the function of controlling the image data that isdisplayed on the two-dimensional display element in accordance with thepositional relationship between the two-dimensional display element andthe wearer, and, this head mounted display being further characterizedin that a circuit part is present which displays images on the displayscreen of the two-dimensional display element, the mounting part canmount the display part on the head of the observer so that the positionwhere the false image is formed is substantially in front of an eye ofthe observer, and the circuit part can alter the display magnificationrate of the images on the display screen.

The thirty-ninth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-eighth invention, which is further characterized inthat an adjustment mechanism that is used to adjust the positionalrelationship between an eye of the observer and the display part isdisposed in the mounting means.

The fortieth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-ninth invention, which is further characterized inthat this display further comprises measurement means for acquiring datarelating to the positional relationship between an eye of the observerand the display part and data relating to the variation in thispositional relationship, and the circuit part alters the displaymagnification rate in accordance with the data acquired by themeasurement means.

The forty-first invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-ninth invention, which is further characterized inthat the measurement means acquires the data on the basis of the stateof the adjustment mechanism.

The forty-second invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the thirty-eighth invention, which is further characterized inthat this display further comprises a circuit part that displays imageson the display screen of the two-dimensional display element, themounting part can mount the display part on the head of the observer sothat the position where the false image is formed is substantially infront of an eye of the observer, input means for inputting instructionsfrom the observer is provided, and the circuit part can alter thedisplay magnification rate in accordance with instructions that areinput via the input means.

The forty-third invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the forty-second invention, which is further characterized inthat an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positional relationshipof an eye of the observer and the display part is disposed in themounting means.

The forty-fourth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is a head mounted display device comprising a display partconsisting of a two-dimensional display element for displaying videoimages, an ocular optical system that forms a false image from thistwo-dimensional display element, and an outer covering part thataccommodates the two-dimensional display element part and ocular opticalsystem, this head mounted display being characterized in that thedistance between the two-dimensional display element and the ocularoptical system can be displaced in relative terms, and this head mounteddisplay being characterized in that this display comprises driving meansfor causing the displacement of the distance between the two-dimensionaldisplay element and the ocular optical system in relative terms, storagemeans for storing information relating to the distance between thedisplay device part and the optical lens part, and control means forcontrolling the driving means on the basis of information relating tothe distance between the two-dimensional display element and the ocularoptical system from the storage means.

The forty-fifth invention that is used to achieve the objects describedabove is the forty-fourth invention, which is further characterized inthat detection means for detecting up and down in the display part, orsetting means for setting the distance between the two-dimensionaldisplay element part and the ocular optical system, or both, areprovided, and in accordance with the output of the detection means orthe setting means, the control means obtains information relating to thedistance between the two-dimensional display element and the ocularoptical system stored in the storage means, and sets the driving means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first working configuration ofthe display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the supportingpart is accommodated in the linking part in the display device shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the supporting part accommodated inthe linking part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the display part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second working configuration ofthe display device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a third working configuration ofthe display device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a fourth working configuration ofthe display device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth working configurationof the display device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth working configurationof the display device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a seventh workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an eighth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a ninth working configurationof the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a tenth working configurationof the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an eleventh workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a twelfth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a thirteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a fourteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a fifteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a sixteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a seventeenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating an eighteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a state in which thehead mounted display main body shown in FIG. 21 is mounted on the head,as seen from the left side of the face.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the display part has beenmoved to the intermediate position of accommodation or separateemergency retraction position in the head mounted display main bodyshown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a nineteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a twentieth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how the display part of the head mounteddisplay shown in FIG. 25 is placed in the accommodated state.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a twenty-first workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of construction of the controldevice.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a twenty-second workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating a twenty-third workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a twenty-fourth workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows schematic diagrams illustrating a twenty-fifth workingconfiguration of the present invention in which operating buttons areattached to the head mounted display main body.

FIG. 33 shows schematic diagrams illustrating a twenty-sixth workingconfiguration of the present invention in which operating buttons areattached to a display arm.

FIG. 34 shows schematic diagrams illustrating an example which isdevised so that the layout of the operating buttons is displayed on thescreen of the display device.

FIG. 35 shows diagrams illustrating a twenty-seventh workingconfiguration of the present invention in which the operating buttonsare attached to the back surface of the display part.

FIG. 36 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting atwenty-eighth working configuration of the present invention is mountedon the head, with FIG. 36( a) showing a perspective view, and FIG. 36(b) showing a sectional plan view.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which the display part of thehead mounted display main body part shown in FIG. 1 is used on the righteye, and the left eye is covered by an eye covering member.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which a message that prompts theswitching of the eye viewing images is displayed on the display part 4in a case where the viewing of images is continued for a specifiedperiod of time.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing how the head mounted display mainbody part of a head mounted display constituting a twenty-ninth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head.

FIG. 40 is a plan view showing how the head mounted display main bodypart of a head mounted display constituting a thirtieth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head.

FIG. 41 shows diagrams illustrating an example of the light blockingstate of the eye covering member in the mounted state of the eyecovering member shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 42 is an external view of a head mounted display constituting athirty-first working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a structural diagram of the head mounted display constitutinga thirty-first working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 44 shows diagrams illustrating the operation of the head mounteddisplay constituting a thirty-first working configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 45 is an external view of a head mounted display constituting athirty-second working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a structural diagram of the head mounted display constitutinga thirty-second working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is an external view of a head mounted display constituting athirty-third working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a structural diagram of the head mounted display constitutinga thirty-third working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is an external view of a head mounted display constituting athirty-fourth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a structural diagram of the head mounted display constitutinga thirty-fourth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 51 shows external views of a head mounted display constituting athirty-fifth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a structural diagram of the head mounted display constitutinga thirty-fifth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a structural diagram of a head mounted display constituting athirty-sixth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a headmounted display constituting a thirty-seventh working configuration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 55 shows a plan view and a partial sectional view of the headmounted display constituting a thirty-seventh working configuration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 56 is a partially sectional plan view showing the construction ofthe image output part used in the head mounted display constituting athirty-seventh working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 57 shows plan views illustrating the structure of a head mounteddisplay constituting modification 3 of the thirty-seventh workingconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing the structural elements of a headmounted display driving unit that can be used in the respective workingconfigurations.

FIG. 59 is a partially sectional plan view showing the structure of ahead mounted display constituting a thirty-ninth working configurationof the present invention.

FIG. 60 shows external perspective views of the head mounted displayconstituting a thirty-ninth working configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 61 is a partial plan view showing the driving structure in the bentpart of the band used in the head mounted display constituting athirty-ninth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 62 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating the use state in thebent part of the band used in the head mounted display constituting athirty-ninth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a partially sectional plan view showing the structure of ahead mounted display constituting a forty-first working configuration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 64 shows explanatory diagrams illustrating the detection operationof the detection sensor used in the head mounted display constituting aforty-first working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the video imagedisplay part of the head mounted display device constituting aforty-first working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the video imagedisplay part of a head mounted display device constituting aforty-second working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 67( a) is a schematic diagram showing a section of the video imagedisplay part of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-thirdworking configuration of the present invention. FIG. 67( b) is asectional view along line b-b in FIG. 67( a).

FIG. 68 is a block diagram showing the construction of the video imagedisplay part of a head mounted display device constituting aforty-fourth working configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a view of the slide switch as seen from the front.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing a state in which the video imagedisplay part of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-fifthworking configuration of the present invention has been pulled out tothe use position.

FIG. 71 is a schematic diagram showing how the portion of a head mounteddisplay constituting a forty-sixth working configuration of the presentinvention that is mounted on the head is mounted on the head.

FIG. 72 shows a plan view (seen from the upper surface of the head part)and a partial sectional view of the mounted state of the head mounteddisplay main body part shown in FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 shows schematic diagrams illustrating the mounted state in acase where the main body part of a head mounted display constituting aforty-seventh working configuration of the present invention is mountedon the head.

FIG. 74 shows schematic diagrams illustrating the mounted state in acase where the main body part of a head mounted display constituting aforty-eighth working configuration of the present invention is mountedon the head.

FIG. 75 is schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a fiftiethworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.

FIG. 76 is a schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a fifty-firstworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Working configurations of the present invention will be described indetail below with reference to the figures.

(First Working Configuration)

FIG. 1 shows a first working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention.

The display device of this working configuration has a display part 11constituting display means for displaying images to the wearer M. Inthis working configuration, the display part 11 displays images only tothe left eye LI of the wearer M. The display part 11 is supported on amounting part 15 via a supporting part 13 constituting supporting means.The mounting part 15 can be mounted in a position that does not coverthe front surface of the head H, i.e., the face F. The mounting part 15has holding parts 19 in two places disposed on the head H of the wearerM, and a linking part 21 that links the holding parts 19. In thisworking configuration, the holding parts 19 are fastened to the linkingpart 21 via connecting parts 23, and are disposed in the positions ofthe ears Y on both sides of the face F.

Furthermore, the linking part 21 is positioned in the back part of thehead HB on the opposite side from the face F. The linking part 21 isformed with a curvilinear shape that conforms to the back part of thehead HB. For example, the linking part 21 is formed from a syntheticresin that has elasticity. In this working configuration, speakers 25constituting voice output means are disposed on the holding parts 19.

Moreover, as is shown in FIG. 2, the supporting part 13 is arranged sothat the display part 11 can be moved horizontally toward the back partof the head HB from the position disposed in front of the left eye LI ofthe wearer M via the side part of the head HS. The supporting part 13 isformed with a curvilinear shape that conforms to the side part of thehead HS. For example, the supporting part 13 is formed from a syntheticresin that has elasticity.

In addition, the supporting part 13 can be moved along the side part ofthe head HS. In this working configuration, the supporting part 13 canbe accommodated in the linking part 21 of the mounting part 15, and canbe moved along the linking part 21. Specifically, in this workingconfiguration, as is shown in FIG. 3, a hole part 21 a with arectangular cross-sectional shape is formed along the linking part 21.

Furthermore, the supporting part 13 with a rectangular cross-sectionalshape is inserted into this hole part 21 a, and the supporting part 13can be moved along the hole part 21 a.

FIG. 4 shows the details of the display part 11; here, a liquid crystalpanel 29 which displays images, and lenses 31 and 33 which are used toenlarge the images of the liquid crystal panel 29 and display theseimages to the left eye LI of the wearer M, are disposed inside a mainbody part 27.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the display device described above is mounted onthe head H of the wearer M by causing the holding parts 19 in two placesto contact the ears Y so that the linking part 21 of the mounting part15 is on the side of the back part of the head HB of the wearer M.Furthermore, in this state, as a result of the elasticity of the linkingpart 21, the holding parts 19 in two places are pressed lightly againstthe ears Y, so that the display device is securely mounted on the head Hof the wearer M.

Moreover, in cases where the wearer M views the images of the displaypart 11, as is shown in FIG. 1, the wearer M pulls out the display part11 with the fingers so that the supporting part 13 is pulled out fromthe linking part 21 of the mounting part 15, and the display part 11 isdisposed in front of the left eye LI.

On the other hand, in cases where the display part 11 is not viewed, thedisplay part 11 is pushed rearward with the fingers as shown in FIG. 2,so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated in the linking part 21 ofthe mounting part 15, and the display part 11 is disposed on the outsideof the holding part 19.

In the display device described above, the mounting part 15 that ismounted on the head H can be mounted in a position that does not coverthe front surface of the face F, and the supporting part 13 thatsupports the display part 11 moves the display part 11 from the positiondisposed in front of the eye of the wearer M via the side part of thehead HS; accordingly, a display device which is relatively free ofunsightliness with respect to the wearer M can be provided.

Specifically, in the display device described above, when the device ismounted on the head H, the mounting part 15 is mounted in a positionthat does not cover the front surface of the face F; accordingly, theunsightliness of the mounting part 15 can be reduced.

Furthermore, especially in the case of women, the adhesion of cosmeticsto the mounting part 15 can be eliminated. Moreover, since thesupporting part 13 that supports the display part 11 moves the displaypart 11 via the side part of the head HS from the position disposed infront of the eye of the wearer M, the unsightliness of the display part11 and supporting part 13 during movement can be reduced.

In addition, in the display device described above, since the supportingpart 13 moves toward the back part of the head HB along the side part ofthe head HS, the movement of the display part 11 and supporting part 13can easily be accomplished. Moreover, in the display device describedabove, since the supporting part 13 moves along the contour of the headH, the movement of the display part 11 and supporting part 13 can beaccomplished in a smooth manner.

Furthermore, in the display device described above, since the supportingpart 13 moves along the linking part 21, the supporting part 13 can bedisposed in a compact manner when the display part 11 is not in use.Moreover, in the display device described above, since the system isdevised so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated in the linkingpart 21, the supporting part 13 can be accommodated in the linking part21 in a compact manner when the display part 11 is not in use.

Furthermore, in the display device described above, since the holdingparts 19 are disposed in positions on both sides of the head H, themounting part 15 can be securely held on the head H. Moreover, in thedisplay device described above, since the holding parts 19 are disposedon both ears Y, the mounting part 15 can be held more securely on thehead H. In addition, in the display device described above, sincespeakers 25 are combined with the holding parts 19, voice recognitioncan be accomplished along with image recognition.

(Second Working Configuration)

FIG. 5 shows a second working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention. In the display device of this working configuration,an accommodating part 35 that accommodates the supporting part 13 isformed in a separate position from the linking part 21A of the mountingpart 15A. This accommodating part 35 is formed as an integral unit withthe linking part 21A, and extends toward the back of the head H.

A hole part 35 a is formed in the accommodating part 35, and thesupporting part 13 that supports the display part 11 is inserted intothis hole part 35 a. Furthermore, the supporting part 13 is constructedso that this supporting part 13 can move along the hole part 35 a.Moreover, in this working configuration, members that are the same as inthe first working configuration are labeled with the same symbols, and adetailed description of such members is omitted.

In this display device, in cases where the wearer M views the images ofthe display part 11, the display part 11 is pulled out with the fingersas indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure, so that thesupporting part 13 is pulled out from the accommodating part 35, and thedisplay part 11 is disposed in front of the left eye LI. On the otherhand, in cases where the display part 11 is not viewed, the display part11 is pushed rearward with the fingers as indicated by the solid line inthe figure, so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated in theaccommodating part 35, and the display part 11 is disposed in thevicinity of the outside of the holding part 19. Substantially the sameeffect as that of the first working configuration can also be obtainedin this second working configuration.

(Third Working Configuration)

FIG. 6 shows a third working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention. In the display device of this working configuration,the end part of the supporting part 13A on the opposite side from thedisplay part 11 is linked and connected with the end part of the linkingpart 21A of the mounting part 15A so that bending in theforward-rearward direction is possible.

Specifically, the end part of the supporting part 13A on the oppositeside from the display part 11 is linked to the end part of the linkingpart 21A of the mounting part 15A via a publicly known hinge mechanismso that swinging is possible. Furthermore, in this workingconfiguration, members that are the same as in the second workingconfiguration are labeled with the same symbols, and a detaileddescription of such members is omitted. In this display device, in caseswhere the wearer M views the images of the display part 11, thesupporting part 13A is pushed over toward the front with the fingers asindicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure, so that the displaypart 11 is disposed in front of the left eye LI.

On the other hand, when the display part 11 is not viewed, the displaypart 11 is pushed rearward with the fingers as indicated by the soldline in the figure, so that the supporting part 13A is pushed overtoward the rear, and the display part 11 is disposed to the rear of theholding part 19. Substantially the same effect as that of the firstworking configuration can also be obtained in this third workingconfiguration.

Furthermore, in the working configuration shown in FIG. 6, the end partof the supporting part 13A on the opposite side from the display part 11is linked and connected with the end part of the linking part 21A of themounting part 15A so that bending in the forward-rearward direction ispossible; here, however, it would also be possible to couple the endpart of the supporting part 13A on the opposite side from the displaypart 11 with the end part of the linking part 21A of the mounting part15A by means of a pin, and to devise the system so that the display part11 can be disposed to the rear of the holding part 19 by making itpossible to pivot the supporting part 13A about this pin with respect tothe linking part 21A.

(Fourth Working Configuration)

FIG. 7 shows a fourth working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention. In the display device of this working configuration,the length of the linking part 21B of the mounting part 15B isshortened, and a holding part 19A is disposed on the end part of thelinking part 21B on the opposite side from the holding part 19.

Furthermore, this holding part 19A is disposed so as to contact aposition toward the ear Y on the right side of the back part of the headHB. Moreover, in this working configuration, members that are the sameas in the first working configuration are labeled with the same symbols,and a detailed description of such members is omitted. In this displaydevice, in cases where the wearer M views the images of the display part11, the wearer M pulls out the display part 11 with the fingers asindicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure, so that thesupporting part 13 is pulled out from the linking part 21B of themounting part 15B, and the display part 111 is disposed in front of theleft eye LI.

On the other hand, when the display part 11 is not viewed, the displaypart 11 is pushed rearward with the fingers as indicated by the solidline in the figure, so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated inthe linking part 21B of the mounting part 15B, and the display part 111is disposed in the vicinity of the outside of the holding part 19.Substantially the same effect as that of the first working configurationcan also be obtained in this fourth working configuration.

(Fifth Working Configuration)

FIG. 8 shows a fifth working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention. In the display device of this working configuration,ear mounting members 37 that mount the holding parts 19 on the ears aredisposed on the holding parts 19. For example, these ear mountingmembers 37 consist of an elastomer resin, and are formed with acurvilinear shape that is deformed along the upper sides of the ears.Furthermore, in this working configuration, members that are the same asin the first working configuration are labeled with the same symbols,and a detailed description of such members is omitted. In this displaydevice, the holding parts 19 can be securely mounted by means of theears.

Moreover, the ear mounting members 37 may also be disposed on theholding parts 19 so that these members are free to pivot along the outerear parts. In this case, the ear mounting members 37 undergo elasticdeformation along the lower sides of the ears (i.e., the earlobes), sothat the display device can be securely mounted.

(Sixth Working Configuration)

FIG. 9 shows a sixth working configuration of the display device of thepresent invention. In the display device of this working configuration,the mounting part 15C is formed by a mounting member 39 that is mountedon only one ear of the wearer M. This mounting member 39 is constructedso that it can be mounted on the ear by clamping the external ear as awhole. An accommodating part 35 that accommodates the supporting part 13is linked to the mounting member 39 via a connecting part 41.

Furthermore, in this working configuration, members that are the same asin the first working configuration are labeled with the same symbols,and a detailed description of such members is omitted. In this displaydevice, the accommodating part 35, supporting part 13 and display part11 are held on the head H of the wearer M by the mounting of themounting member 39 on only one ear of the wearer M. Moreover, in caseswhere the wearer M views the images of the display part 11, the wearer Mpulls out the display part 11 with the fingers as indicated by thetwo-dot chain line in the figure, so that the supporting part 13 ispulled out from the accommodating part 35, and the display part 11 isdisposed in front of the left eye LI.

On the other hand, when the display part 11 is not viewed, the displaypart 11 is pushed rearward with the fingers as indicated by the solidline in the figure, so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated inthe accommodating part 35, and the display part 11 is disposed in thevicinity of the outside of the mounting part 15C. Substantially the sameeffect as that of the first working configuration can also be obtainedin this sixth working configuration.

Furthermore, in the respective working configurations described above,examples were described in which the display part 11 was constructed sothat the images were displayed only to the left eye LI of the wearer M.However, the present invention is not limited to such workingconfigurations; for example, it would also be possible to construct thedisplay device so that images are displayed only to the right eye of thewearer M, or to construct the display device so that images aredisplayed to both eyes.

(Seventh Working Configuration)

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the portion of a head mounteddisplay constituting a seventh working configuration of the presentinvention that is mounted on the head (head mounted display main bodypart). The head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted on the backpart of the head, and is constructed with a mounting part 15 possessingelasticity that clamps the head, left and right holding parts 19 whichare attached to the mounting part 15, a supporting part 13 which has thedisplay part 11 attached to the tip end part, and a supporting partaccommodating part 35 which is attached to the mounting part 15 via ashaft 42 so that this supporting part accommodating part 35 can pivot,as the main constituent parts.

This head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted on the head sothat both ears are clamped by the holding parts 19, and is used in astate in which the supporting part 13 and display part 11 are pulled outfrom the supporting part accommodating part 35 as indicated by thetwo-dot chain line in FIG. 10 so that the display part 11 is positionedin front of the eye. The solid line indicates a state in which thesupporting part 13 is moved from this state in the direction indicatedby the arrow, and is accommodated in the supporting part accommodatingpart 35. In this state, the supporting part accommodating part 35 iscaused to pivot about the shaft 42, so that the relative angle of themounting part 15 and supporting part 13 is varied, thus positioning thedisplay part 11 in front of the eye during use.

(Eighth Working Configuration)

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing how the head mounted display mainbody part of a head mounted display constituting an eighth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head. In thisworking configuration, an accommodating part for the supporting part 13is provided in the mounting part 15. Specifically, in FIG. 11, the rightside of the mounting part 15 constitutes a supporting part accommodatingpart 15 e, so that the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside thissupporting part accommodating part 15 e. A space equal to the lateralwidth of the display part 11 is formed between the inside edge part(side facing the head) of the mounting part 15 and the portion where thesupporting part 13 is accommodated so that the display part 11 does notinterfere with the accommodation of the supporting part 13 during thisaccommodation as a result of the display part 11 contacting the holdingpart 19. Accordingly, the supporting part 13 can be pulled into themounting part 15 until the display part 11 contacts the mounting part15.

In this working configuration, the relative angle of the display surfaceof the display part 11 and the supporting part 13 is maintained “as is”;however, a case in which the relative angle of the display surface ofthe display part 11 and the supporting part 13 varies duringaccommodation is also conceivable. In such a case, the space describedabove is set as a space with dimensions which are such that the displaypart 11 does not contact the holding part 19 or the like so thataccommodation is hindered in a state in which accommodation isaccomplished with the relative angle of the display surface of thedisplay part 11 and the supporting part 13 showing such variation.

(Ninth Working Configuration)

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing how the head mounted display mainbody part of a head mounted display constituting a ninth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head. In thiscase as well, the head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted onthe head via holding parts 19. Furthermore, the mounting part 15 andsupporting part 13 have circular arc-form shapes that have the sameradius R; this radius R is greater than the radius r of a circumscribedcircle Ha around the back part of the head. Accordingly, even when thesupporting part 13 is accommodated inside the mounting part 15, thedisplay part 11 does not contact the face. Or speaking conversely, theradius R is set at a size which is such that the display part 11 doesnot contact the face when the supporting part 13 is accommodated insidethe mounting part 15.

(Tenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram which shows how the head mounted displaymain body part of a head mounted display constituting a tenth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head. In thiscase as well, the head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted onthe head via holding parts 19. Furthermore, the mounting part 15 isdivided into a part 15 b which has a shape with the same radius R as thesupporting part 13, and a part 15 c with a smaller radius. Moreover, thesupporting part 13 is accommodated in the part 15 b which has a shapewith the same radius R as the supporting part 13. The radius R is set ata value that is greater than the radius r of a circumscribed circle Haaround the back part of the head, so that the display part 11 does notcontact the face even when the supporting part 13 is accommodated insidethe mounting part 15.

On the other hand, in the part 15 c that has a small radius, since theradius is small, there is no increase in the size of the head mounteddisplay main body part 1, and the feeling of mounting is good.Furthermore, as is shown in the figure, the center of the circular arcsof the supporting part 13 and the mounting part 15 is offset from thecenter of the circumscribed circle Ha. As a result of this as well, anincrease in the size of the head mounted display main body part 1 can beavoided.

It is desirable that this offset be devised so that the center of thecircular arc of the supporting part 13 is located on the side that isfurther removed from the supporting part 13 (on the left side of thecenter line in the figure) than the center of the circumscribed circlearound the back part of the head (indicated by the center line), andfurther to the front (on the lower side of the center line in thefigure). As a result, the external dimensions of the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 in the state in which this part is mounted onthe head can be reduced.

(Eleventh Working Configuration)

FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view which shows how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting aneleventh working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head. In this case as well, the head mounted display main body part1 is mounted on the head via holding parts 19.

The mounting part 15 has a shape that conforms to the shape of the backpart of the head, and a hole 15 a that is used to accommodate thesupporting part 13 is formed inside this mounting part 15. Furthermore,a guide part 15 d that is used to guide the supporting part 13 is formedin the exit port of the mounting part 15, and a hole that is formed inthe guide part 15 d is formed with substantially the samecross-sectional shape as the supporting part 13, so that the supportingpart 13 is guided and accommodated inside the hole 15 a.

Meanwhile, the supporting part 13 is formed by connecting small parts 13d that are coupled by pins 13 c, and the small parts 13 d can bemutually bent about these pins 13 c. Accordingly, when the display part11 is positioned in front of the eye, the small parts 13 d are placed inan extended state as indicated by the solid line in the figure, so thatthe device is used in a state in which the curvature radius of thesupporting part 13 is increased. When the supporting part 13 is to beaccommodated, if the supporting part 13 is pushed into the interior ofthe mounting part 15, the supporting part 13 is guided by the guide part15 d and enters the interior of the hole 15 a; this supporting part 13assumes a state in which the part is bent about the pins 13 c, and isaccommodated inside so as to conform to the hole 15 a.

Thus, while the curvature radius of the supporting part 13 during use isincreased, the supporting part 13 can be accommodated inside themounting part 15 which has a portion with a small curvature radius thatdiffers in shape from the supporting part 13 during accommodation. As aresult, the overall construction of the head mounted display main bodypart is compact, and the feeling of mounting can be improved.

(Twelfth Working Configuration)

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing how the head mounted display mainbody part of a head mounted display constituting a twelfth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head; thisdiagram shows a partial sectional view. In this case as well, the headmounted display main body part 1 is mounted on the head via holdingparts 19.

In this working configuration, the structure of the mounting part 15 isthe same as that of the mounting part shown in FIG. 14; however, thismounting part 15 differs in that a heating part 15 f that also serves asa guide part is installed instead of the guide part 15 d, and in thatthe supporting part 13 is formed from a single shape memory alloy.

The extended state during the use of the display part 11 is stored inthe supporting part 13 consisting of a shape memory alloy, or the stateconforming to the hole 15 a during accommodation in the hole 15 a isstored in this supporting part 13. Generally, the shape of the hole 15 ais complex, and the supporting part 13 is constrained; accordingly, itis desirable to store the extended state during the use of the displaypart 11.

In cases where the extended state during the use of the display part 11is stored, the supporting part 13 is accommodated in the hole 15 a whilebeing pushed into the mounting part 15 and caused to undergodeformation. When the supporting part 13 is pulled out of the hole 15 a,heating is performed by means of the heating part 15 f so that thesupporting part 13 is pulled out while being returned to the storedshape. As a result, the supporting part 13 is pulled out with the shapeof this supporting part 13 assuming a shape that causes the display part111 to be positioned in front of the eye.

In cases where the state conforming to the hole 15 a is stored followingaccommodation in the hole 15 a, the supporting part 13 is accommodatedinside the hole 15 a while being heated by the heating part 15 f duringaccommodation. As a result, the supporting part 13 is accommodated whilebeing returned to the stored shape. When the supporting part 13 ispulled out, the supporting part 13 is pulled out while conforming to thecurvature of the hole of the heating part 15 f, and thus assumes a shapethat has a large curvature, so that the display part 11 is positioned infront of the eye.

(Thirteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 16 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting athirteenth working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head; FIG. 16( a) is a sectional plan view, FIG. 16( b) is anenlarged view of part A, and FIG. 16( c) is a diagram showing themounted state as seen from the left side of the head. In this case aswell, the head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted on the headvia holding parts 19.

The present working configuration is substantially the same as theworking configuration shown in FIG. 12, with the supporting part 13having a circular arc shape with the same radius as the mounting part15. However, this working configuration differs in that the supportingpart 13 is divided into two parts, i.e., a tip end part 13 a and a rearend part 13 b. Furthermore, as is shown in FIG. 16( b), a motor 43 isattached to the end part of the tip end part 13 a, and the rear end part13 b is attached to the rotating shaft of this motor 43. Accordingly,the tip end part 13 a can pivot in the upward and downward directionswith the rotating shaft of the motor 43 as a pivoting axis.

Generally, when the mounting part 15 is mounted on the head, the feelingof mounting is better if the mounting part 15 is mounted in a state inwhich the front of the mounting part 15 is raised slightly upward asshown in FIG. 16( c). In this state, however, if the mounting part 15and supporting part 13 are positioned on a straight line, the displaypart 11 is positioned above the eye. Accordingly, the display part 11 ismore easily viewed if the motor 43 is rotated so that the tip end part13 a is caused to pivot downward, thus placing the tip end part 13 a ina substantially horizontal state as shown in FIG. 16( c) so that thedisplay part 11 is positioned in front of the eye.

When the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside the mounting part 15,the tip end part 13 a is caused to pivot so that the tip end part 13 aand rear end part 13 b are positioned on the same plane, and thesupporting part 13 is pushed into the hole 2 a of the mounting part 15.Since the rear end part 13 b and mounting part 15 are positioned on thesame plane, the area up to the tip end part 13 a can be smoothlyaccommodated inside the hole 2 a if this is done.

(Fourteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 17 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting afourteenth working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head; FIG. 17( a) is a sectional plan view, FIG. 17( b) is anenlarged view of part B, and FIG. 17( c) is a diagram showing themounted state as seen from the left side of the head. In this case aswell, the head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted on the headvia holding parts 19.

In this working configuration, a coupling member 44 is attached to thetip of the mounting part 15, and the supporting part 13 is attached tothis coupling member 44. Specifically, as is shown in FIG. 17( b), thecoupling member 44 is coupled with the mounting part 15 by two pins 45at the tip end part of the mounting part 15, and the coupling member 44is arranged so that this member can pivot with these pins 45 as thepivoting axis. Accordingly, the supporting part 13 attached to thecoupling member 44 and the display part 11 attached to the tip end ofthe supporting part 13 can pivot with the pins 45 as a pivoting center.

Specifically, in the mounted state, as is shown in FIG. 17( c), thedisplay part 11 can be positioned in front of the eye in a state inwhich the supporting part 13 and display part 11 are made substantiallyhorizontal by mounting the mounting part 15 with the front raisedupward, and pivoting the coupling member 44 downward.

When the supporting part 13 is to be accommodated inside the mountingpart 15, the coupling member 44 is caused to pivot so that thesupporting part 13 and mounting part 15 are located in substantially thesame plane, and then the supporting part 13 is pushed into the interiorof the hole 2 a of the mounting part 15. If this is done, the supportingpart 13 can be smoothly accommodated inside the hole 15 a.

Furthermore, in FIG. 17, as a result of the coupling member 44 beingpivoted with the pins 45 as a pivoting axis, the supporting part 13 canbe held in a state in which the rear end part of the supporting part 13is present inside the coupling member 44 so that the supporting part 13can pivot with respect to the mounting part 15. However, it would alsobe possible to split the coupling member 44 into two parts, i.e., acoupling part front part and a coupling part rear part, and to devisethe system so that the coupling part rear part is coupled to themounting part 15, the coupling part front part is arranged to bepivotable with respect to the coupling part rear part with the pins as apivoting axis, and the coupling part front part is caused to pivot withrespect to the coupling part rear part after the supporting part 13 ispulled out to a position in which the rear end part of the supportingpart 13 is present in the coupling part front part.

When the supporting part 13 is to be accommodated inside the mountingpart 15, the coupling part front part is caused to pivot so that thesupporting part 13 and mounting part 15 are positioned in the sameplane, and the supporting part 13 is pushed into the hole 15 a of themounting part 15. If this is done, the supporting part 13 can besmoothly accommodated inside the hole 15 a. As a result, the supportingpart 13 can be accommodated in the mounting part 15, and can be causedto pivot with respect to the mounting part 15 in a state in which thesupporting part 13 is pulled out from the mounting part 15, so that aneffect similar to that of the working configuration shown in FIG. 17 canbe obtained.

(Fifteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 18 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting afifteenth working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head; FIG. 18( a) is a plan view, FIG. 18( b) is a front view of thevicinity of the display part, and FIG. 18( c) is a diagram showing thedisplay part as seen from below. In this case as well, the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 is mounted on the head via holding parts 19. Inthis working configuration, as in the working configuration shown inFIG. 12, the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside the mounting part15. In this working configuration, however, the system is arranged sothat the tip end part of the supporting part 13 is accommodated insidethe display part 11 as well.

Specifically, as is shown in FIGS. 18( b) and 18(c), a crescentmoon-shaped groove 11 a is formed in the lower part of the display part11, and a pin 13 e disposed on the tip end part of the supporting part13 is fitted into this groove 11 a. Accordingly, as is shown in FIG. 18(c), when the display part 11 is caused to rotate 90° from the imageobservation position indicated by the solid line, the pin 13 e movesalong the groove 11 a, and as a result, the display part 11 assumes theposition indicated by the two-dot chain line. Consequently, the tip endpart of the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside the display part11. Furthermore, in order to facilitate description in the figures, adepiction is shown in which the supporting part 13 is exposed in thestate in which the supporting part 13 is accommodated in the displaypart 11; however, if a cover is disposed on the lower part of thedisplay part 11, and the system is devised so that the supporting part13 enters the interior of this cover, the supporting part 13 can beprotected in the accommodated state.

(Sixteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 19 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting asixteenth working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head. In this working configuration, a supporting part accommodatingpart 35 is attached to the mounting part 15 via a shaft 42 as shown inFIG. 10; however, this supporting part accommodating part 35 has acircular arc-form shape within the vertical plane.

Furthermore, the supporting part 13 also has a circular arc-form shape;however, in the use state, as is shown in (a1) through (a3), thesupporting part 13 has a circular arc-form shape in the horizontaldirection; as a result, the display part 11 is positioned in front ofthe surface of the eye. Moreover, in the state in which the supportingpart 13 is pulled out from the supporting part accommodating part 35,the supporting part 13 is arranged to be pivotable with respect to thesupporting part accommodating part 35, with the axis in theforward-rearward direction as a pivoting axis.

When the supporting part 13 is to be accommodated in the supporting partaccommodating part 35, the supporting part 13 is caused to pivot 90°downward from this state with respect to the supporting partaccommodating part 35 as shown in (b1) through (b3). Then, the circulararc of the supporting part 13 and the circular arc of the supportingpart accommodating part 35 are positioned in the same plane, thusassuming shapes that have the same radius and the same center. When thesupporting part 13 is pushed in from this state in the directionindicated by the arrow shown in (b3), the supporting part 13 isaccommodated inside the supporting part accommodating part 35 as shownin (c1) through (c3).

(Seventeenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 20 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the head mounteddisplay main body part of a head mounted display constituting aseventeenth working configuration of the present invention is mounted onthe head. In this working configuration, a supporting part accommodatingpart 35 is attached to the mounting part 15 via a shaft 42 as shown inFIG. 10; however, this supporting part accommodating part 35 has acircular arc-form shape within the perpendicular plane. Furthermore, inthe state in which the supporting part 13 is pulled out from thesupporting part accommodating part 35, the supporting part 13 isarranged to be pivotable with respect to the supporting partaccommodating part 35, with the axis in the forward-rearward directionas a pivoting axis.

The basic concept of this working configuration is the same as that ofthe working configuration shown in FIG. 19; however, the supporting partaccommodating part 35 is formed with a compact shape by reducing thecurvature radius of the supporting part accommodating part 35.Furthermore, the rigidity of the supporting part 13 in the longitudinaldirection and the rigidity in the lateral direction are caused todiffer, so that deformation can easily be caused to take place in onedirection, and so that deformation does not readily occur in thedirection perpendicular to this first direction. For example, thissupporting part 13 can be formed from a thin metal part such as a coilspring.

(a1) through (a3) are diagrams showing the condition of the display part11 in the image observation position; here, the supporting part 13 has ashape that depicts a curved line in the lateral direction, and holds thedisplay part 11 in front of the eye. In this case, the supporting part13 is arranged so that the rigidity is strong and deformation tends notto occur in the vertical direction.

When the supporting part 13 is to be accommodated in the supporting partaccommodating part 35, the supporting part 13 is rotated 90° downwardfrom this state with respect to the supporting part accommodating part35 as shown in (b1) through (b3). Then, the rigidity of the supportingpart 13 is small in the vertical direction, so that deformation readilyoccurs. When the supporting part 13 is pushed in from this state in thedirection indicated by the arrow, the supporting part 13 enters theinterior of the supporting part accommodating part 35 while undergoingdeformation along the supporting part accommodating part 35, and thesupporting part 13 is ultimately accommodated inside the supporting partaccommodating part 35 as shown in (c1) through (c3). Thus, thesupporting part accommodating part 35 can be made more compact, and theoverall size of the head mounted display main body part 1 can be reducedin the state in which the supporting part 13 is accommodated.

(Eighteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 21 shows diagrams illustrating how a head mounted display main bodypart (portion mounted on the head) constituting an eighteenth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head. FIG. 21(a) is a sectional plan view, FIG. 21( b) is an enlarged sectional planview of part A in FIG. 21( a), FIG. 21( c) is an enlarged longitudinalsectional view of part B in FIG. 21( a), FIG. 21( d) is an enlargedlongitudinal sectional view of part C in FIG. 21( a), and FIG. 21( e) isa sectional view along line D-D in FIG. 21( a).

The head mounted display main body part 1 is constructed with a mountingpart 15 which is mounted on the back part of the head, a supporting part13 which is attached to the mounting part 15 so that this supportingpart 13 can be accommodated in a hole 15 a inside the mounting part 15and extended from the mounting part 15, a display part 11 which isattached to the tip end part of the supporting part 13, and whichdisplays images, and left and right holding parts 19 which are attachedto the mounting part 15, as the main constituent parts. In the exampleshown in FIG. 21, the head mounted display main body part 1 is mountedon the head by means of the holding parts 19. Furthermore, thesupporting part 13 consists of three parts, i.e., a tip end part 13 a, acentral part 13 b, and a rear end part 13 c. Moreover, a supporting part11 a is disposed on the display part 11.

As is shown in FIG. 21( b), a motor 50 is attached to a supporting part4 a, and the rotating shaft of this motor 50 is attached to the displaypart 11; the display part 11 is arranged to be pivotable with thisrotating shaft as the pivoting center. Accordingly, by causing the motor50 to rotate, it is possible to vary the angle of inclination of thedisplay part 11 with respect to the vertical direction. Furthermore, amotor 51 is attached to the tip end part 13 a, and the supporting part11 a is attached to the rotating shaft of this motor 51. Specifically,the supporting part 11 a is arranged to be pivotable with this rotatingshaft as the pivoting center. Accordingly, it is possible to vary theangle of inclination of the display part 11 with respect to theleft-right direction by causing the motor 51 to rotate.

Moreover, as is shown in FIG. 21( c), a motor 52 is attached to theother end of the tip end part 13 a, and the rotating shaft of this motor52 is fastened to the central part 13 b. Specifically, the tip end part13 a is arranged to be pivotable with this rotating shaft as thepivoting center. Accordingly, the tip end part 13 a can be bent in thevertical direction with respect to the central part 13 b by causing themotor 52 to rotate; as a result, the display part 111 can be movedupward and downward in the form of a circular arc in front of the face,and can be positioned in front of the eye.

Furthermore, as is shown in FIG. 21( d), a motor 53 is attached to thetip end of the rear end part 13 c, and the rotating shaft of this motor53 is fastened to the central part 13 b. Specifically, the central part13 b is arranged to be pivotable with this rotating shaft as thepivoting center. Accordingly, the central part 13 b can be bent in theleft-right direction with respect to the rear end part 13 c by causingthe motor 53 to rotate; as a result, the display part 11 can be moved tothe left and right in the form of a circular arc in front of the face,and can be positioned in front of the eye.

When the supporting part 13 is in the state shown in FIG. 21( a), thetip end part 13 a, central part 13 b and rear end part 13 c constitutingthe supporting part 13 are located on a single circular arc, and theradius of this circular arc is set so that this radius is the same asthe radius of the circular arc formed by the mounting part 15.

Meanwhile, a motor 54 is attached to the mounting part 15, and acircular disk 55 is attached to the rotating shaft of this motor 54. Thecircular disk 55 is made of an elastic material such as a syntheticrubber, or a material having a smooth surface such as a fluororesin, andthe outer circumference of this circular disk 55 contacts the innercircumference of the rear end part 13 c (or successively contacts theinner circumference of the central part 13 b or tip end part 13 adepending on the position of the supporting part 13). Accordingly, whenthe motor 54 is caused to rotate, the circular disk 55 rotates, and thesupporting part 13 is pulled into the interior of the hole 15 a orextended from the hole 15 a by the frictional force with the rear endpart 13 c. As a result, the display part 11 can be positioned in frontof the face or positioned to the side of the head along the circular arcformed by the supporting part 13.

In this example, the display part 11 has five degrees of freedom, i.e.,inclination in the vertical direction (by means of the motor 50),inclination in the left-right direction (by means of the motor 51),positioning in the vertical direction (by means of the motor 52),positioning in the left-right direction (by means of the motor 53), andpositioning in the forward-rearward direction (by means of the motor54); these can all be positioned by the motors.

Furthermore, the circular disk 55 is made of an elastic material such asa synthetic rubber, or a material having a smooth surface such as afluororesin; accordingly, if a resistance force that is equal to orgreater than a specified value is applied when the supporting part 13 ispulled in or extended, slipping occurs between the circular disk 55 andthe supporting part 13, so that forcible driving of the supporting part13 is prevented.

FIG. 22 shows schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which the headmounted display main body part 1 shown in FIG. 21 is mounted on thehead, as seen from the left side of the face.

FIG. 22( a) is a diagram showing the image observation state in whichimages are observed; here, the supporting part 13 is extended so thatthe display part 11 is positioned in front of the face. Generally, thefeeling of mounting is better if the mounting part 15 is mounted with aninclination so that the front of the mounting part 15 is raised slightlyupward. On the other hand, the feeling of mounting is better if the tipend part 13 a is placed in a horizontal state; accordingly, the tip endpart 13 a is placed in a state in which this part is bent slightlydownward with respect to the orientation of the central part 13 b, sothat the tip end part 13 a is horizontal. Furthermore, although this isnot shown in the figures, by appropriately bending the central part 13 binward, the display part 11 is positioned in front of the eye, and theinclination of the display part 11 in the vertical and left-rightdirections is then adjusted so that the images are easily observed.

FIG. 22( b) is a diagram showing the conditions when the display part 11is placed in the retracted position or emergency retracted position.Here, the tip end part 13 a is bent downward as a result of the rotationof the motor 52; consequently, the display part 111 is shifted from infront of the eye, so that the forward visual field is placed in an openstate. The retracted position is generally a position in which thedisplay part 11 is positioned when the observation of images istemporarily interrupted, while the emergency retracted position is aposition in which the display part 11 is positioned in order to ensurean open forward visual field by moving the display part 11 from in frontof the eye in cases where an object has approached so that danger ispredicted. In this example, the position of the display part 11 shown inFIG. 22( b) is used as both the retracted position and the emergencyretracted position.

FIG. 22( c) is a diagram showing how the display part 11 is moved to theaccommodated position. The accommodated position is a position which isdevised so that the shape of the head mounted display main body part 1is made compact to facilitate carrying. In order to place this displaypart 11 in this position, the motor 51 shown in FIG. 21 is first causedto rotate so that the display part 11 is placed in an open state from infront of the eye (a state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.22( c)), and the motors 52 and 53 in FIG. 21 are caused to rotate sothat the tip end part 13 a, central part 13 b and rear end part 13 c arecaused to assume the form of a circular arc; then, the motor 54 iscaused to rotate so that the supporting part 13 is pulled into the hole15 a of the mounting part 15. In cases where the head mounted displaymain body part 1 is not used for a long period of time, or in caseswhere the head mounted display main body part 1 is removed from themounted state, the head mounted display main body part 1 is thus placedin a state in which the display part 11 is moved into the accommodatedposition.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the display part 11 hasbeen moved to the intermediate position of accommodation or a separateemergency retracted position in the head mounted display main body part1 shown in FIG. 21. This diagram is a sectional plan view. This state isa state in which the display part 11 has been stopped in an intermediateposition of the movement of the display part 11 from the imageobservation position shown in FIG. 21( a) to the accommodated positionshown in FIG. 22( c). Thus, if there is a position where the displaypart 11 does not block the visual field between the image observationposition and the accommodated position, this position can be usedinstead of the retracted position or emergency retracted positiondescribed above.

In the working configuration described above, the display part 11 isprovided with a total of five degrees of freedom, and the system isdevised so that these respective degrees of freedom are controlled bymotors; however, it is not absolutely necessary to provide the displaypart 11 with such a large number of degrees of freedom. Moreover,instead of using the motive force of motors or the like to provide allof the degrees of freedom, it would also be possible to move some ofthese degrees of freedom manually. In particular, it would also bepossible to devise the system so that free coupling means using, forexample, spherical bearings is used in the coupling parts between thedisplay part 11 and supporting part 13, thus making it possible to setthe attitude of the display part 11 with respect to the supporting part13 manually with a certain degree of freedom. A working configuration ofthe head mounted display with few degrees of freedom will be describedbelow.

In cases where an accommodated position or waiting position is provided,beginning with this working configuration, it is desirable that thisaccommodated position or waiting position be disposed beside the ear ofthe user. Generally, the mounting part 15 is fastened to the head byattaching the holding parts 19 to the ears; however, as is shown in FIG.2, it would also be possible to dispose the accommodated position orwaiting position beside such a holding part 19 or in the vicinity ofthis holding part 19, or to form a recessed part in the outside of oneof the holding parts 19, and to fit the display part 11 into thisrecessed part at the time of accommodation. Furthermore, it would alsobe possible to dispose the waiting position on the side of the back partof the head as shown in FIG. 6.

(Nineteenth Working Configuration)

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing how a head mounted display main body partconstituting a nineteenth working configuration of the present inventionis mounted on the head; this diagram is a sectional plan view. In thisworking configuration, the supporting part 13 is not divided into threeparts, and the display part 111 is also directly connected to thesupporting part 13. The supporting part 13 is accommodated inside thehole 15 a by means of a circular disk 55 directly connected to a motoras shown in FIG. 21, and is driven so that this supporting part 13 isextended from the hole 15 a. Specifically, in this workingconfiguration, the degree of freedom of the position of the display part11 is one. The figure shows how the display part 11 is located in theintermediate position of accommodation or the emergency retractedposition; if the supporting part 13 is further extended from thisposition, the display part 11 is positioned in the image observationposition, and if the supporting part 13 is further accommodated insidethe hole 15 a from this position, the display part 11 is positioned inthe accommodated position.

(Twentieth Working Configuration)

FIG. 25 is a diagram which shows how a head mounted display main bodypart constituting a twentieth working configuration of the presentinvention is mounted on the head; this diagram is a sectional plan view.This working configuration is a working configuration in which pivotingof the display part 111 is added to the working configuration shown inFIG. 24. Specifically, a motor 51 corresponding to the motor 51 shown inFIG. 21 is attached to the tip end part of the supporting part 13, andthe system is devised so that only the inclination of the display part111 in the left-right direction is varied by means of a constructionsimilar to the construction shown in FIG. 21( b) (however, there is nopivoting caused by the motor 50).

The state of the display part 11 indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 25 is the image observation state (use state); by causing the motor51 to rotate from this state, the display part 11 is pivoted so thatthis display part 11 is positioned in the position indicated by thesolid line. This position corresponds to the intermediate position ofaccommodation or emergency retracted position. Specifically, in thisworking configuration, the system is devised so that freedom of theforward visual field can be ensured by the pivoting of the display part11 alone. When the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside the hole 15a as a result of the circular disk 55 being caused to rotate from thisposition by the motor 54, the display part 111 is positioned in theaccommodated position shown in FIG. 26.

(Twenty-First Working Configuration)

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing how a head mounted display main body partconstituting a twenty-first working configuration of the presentinvention is mounted on the head; this diagram is a sectional plan view.This working configuration is a working configuration which is devisedso that in the working configuration shown in FIG. 24, the supportingpart 13 is divided into two parts, i.e., a tip end part 13 a and a rearend part 13 c, and the tip end part 13 a is caused to pivot in thehorizontal direction with respect to the rear end part 13 c by therotation of the motor 53 shown in FIG. 21.

The state of the display part 11 indicated by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 27 is the image observation state; by causing the motor 53 torotate from this state, the display part 11 is caused to pivot so thatthis display part 11 is positioned in the position indicated by thesolid line. This position corresponds to the emergency retractedposition. Specifically, in this case, the display part 11 is caused tomove into the accommodated position as follows: namely, with the displaypart 11 placed in the state indicated by the two-dot chain line, thecircular disk 55 may be caused to rotate by the motor 54 so that thesupporting part 13 is pulled into the hole 15 a; the intermediateposition of accommodation is also disposed at an intermediate point inthis path. The placing of the tip end part 13 a in an open state isperformed only for the purpose of emergency retraction. In this workingconfiguration, the system is devised so that freedom of the forwardvisual field can be ensured by the pivoting of the display part 11alone.

If the circular disk 55 is caused to rotate from this position by themotor 54 so that the tip end part 13 a is caused to pivot and ispositioned on the same circular arc shape as the rear end part 13 cwhile the supporting part 13 is accommodated inside the hole 15 a, thedisplay part 111 can be positioned in the accommodated position.

Thus, in cases where the position of the display part 111 is controlledusing the motive force of motors or the like, it is desirable to performposition control by means of a control device. FIG. 28 is a diagramshowing an example of the construction of such a control device. In FIG.28, an example is shown in which three motors 61 are controlled; anencoder 62 is attached to each motor 61, so that the rotational angle ofeach motor (pivoting angle of the object of pivoting) can be detected.

The control device 63 is constructed around an MPU 64, and has a memory65 and an input-output device 66. Furthermore, an input device 67 and asensor 68 (an ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor or the like, or aninfrared camera such as that described later) are connected to theinput-output device 66 of the control device 63.

The rotational angles of the respective motors 61 in the imageobservation position, accommodated position, retracted position,emergency retracted position, intermediate position of accommodation,and the like are stored in memory in the control device 63. Furthermore,since there may be cases in which the appropriate positions for theimage observation position, retracted position, emergency retractedposition and intermediate position of accommodation vary according tothe person using the display device, a plurality of rotational angles ofthe respective motors 61 are stored in memory in accordance with thesepositions. Moreover, with regard to the image observation position, evenin cases where the same person is using the display device, there may becases in which there are differences in the method of use; accordingly,in such cases, rotational angles of the respective motors 61corresponding to a plurality of positions are stored in memory.

When the position (among these positions) in which the display part 111is to be positioned is input from the input device 67, the MPU 64extracts the rotational angles of the respective corresponding motors 61from the memory 65, and drives the motors 61 according to a sequencestored in the memory 65 as necessary, so that the display part 11 ispositioned in the target position. Input from the encoders 62 is usedfor feedback of this position control.

The movement of the display part 111 to a specified position by thecontrol device 63 is also performed by input from the sensor 68. Forexample, in cases where an object approaches during the observation ofimages by the display part 11, or in cases where an object contacts thedisplay part 1, it is desirable that the necessary freedom of theforward visual field be ensured by moving the display part 11. In such acase, a contact sensor or distance sensor is attached to some point onthe head mounted display main body part 1, preferably the display part11, and such situations are sensed and input into the control device 63.Accordingly, the control device 63 causes the display part 11 to retractto the emergency retracted position, so that the freedom of the forwardvisual field can be ensured.

Furthermore, the system may also be devised so that a sensor thatdetects the pivoting of the display part 11 is installed as the sensor68, the manual movement of the display part 11 from the imageobservation position to the retracted position is detected, and in thiscase, the control device 63 causes the display part 11 to move to theaccommodated position or intermediate position of accommodation.

Moreover, the system may also be devised so that the rotational speedsof the respective motors 61 can be switched in multiple stages; forexample, the system may be devised so that this switching is performedin accordance with input from the input device 67. In addition, thesystem may also be devised so that during the movement of the displaypart 11, the display part 11 is caused to move at a high speed until aspecified freedom of the forward visual field is ensured, after whichthe display part 11 is caused to move at a slower speed. It goes withoutsaying that in the case of an emergency, it is preferable that thedisplay part 11 be caused to move to the emergency retracted position atthe highest speed possible. Furthermore, it would also be possible toincrease the precision of positioning by moving the display part 11 at ahigh speed in cases where the display part 11 is distant from the targetposition, and by lowering the speed when the distance from the targetposition is equal to or less than a specified value. Moreover, in thehead mounted display, if there is an abrupt variation in speed when themembers are driven by a motive force, a force is applied to the head bythe resulting reaction; accordingly, it is desirable to prevent theapplication of an excessively large force to the head by means of speedcontrol and acceleration control.

(Twenty-Second Working Configuration)

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the head mounted display mainbody part of a head mounted display constituting a twenty-second workingconfiguration of the present invention. The working configuration shownin FIG. 2 differs from the working configuration shown in FIG. 10 onlyin that there is no accommodating part for the supporting part, with thesupporting part 13 instead being supported by a holder 46, so that thesupporting part 13 can be moved forward and rearward through the holder46.

The holder 46 can pivot with respect to the mounting part 2 by means ofa shaft 42, and the extension angle of the supporting part 13 can bevaried by causing the holder 46 to pivot in the vertical direction, sothat the position where the display part 11 is positioned in front ofthe face can be varied. This is the same as in the working configurationshown in FIG. 10. The indication of the position of the use state of thedisplay part 11 by the two-dot chain line is also the same as in FIG.10. The solid line indicates the positioning of the display part 111 inthe retracted position.

(Twenty-Third Working Configuration)

FIG. 30 shows diagrams illustrating how a head mounted display main bodypart constituting a twenty-third working configuration of the presentinvention is mounted on the head; FIG. 30( a) is an overall sectionalplan view (one portion being a plan view), FIG. 30( b) is a longitudinalsectional view of part A along line E-E, FIG. 30( c) is an enlarged viewof part B, and FIG. 30( d) is a view of the mounted state as seen fromthe left side of the face.

In this working configuration, a C-shaped part 13 f is disposed on thetip end portion of the tip end part 13 a, and circular arc-form slots 13g are formed in the upper and lower portions of this C shape.Furthermore, as is shown in FIG. 30( b), two pins 11 b each are disposedin the left-right direction above and below on the display part 11, andthese pins 11 b fit into the slots 13 g. Accordingly, the display part11 can swing in the left-right direction; here, since the pins 11 b areconstrained by the slots 13 g, pivoting occurs with the curvaturecenters of the slots 13 g as pivoting centers.

The curvature centers of the slots 13 g are arranged so that thepositions of these centers coincide with the center of rotation 47 ofthe eyeball when the head mounted display main body part 1 is mounted onthe head. Of course, the distance between the display part 11 and thecenter of rotation 47 of the eyeball varies according to individuals,and according to the mounted state of the head mounted display main bodypart 1; accordingly, the system is designed so that these valuescoincide when an average person performs an average mounting operation.Consequently, in the actual mounted state, a slight deviation may occurbetween these values.

Since the swinging of the display part 11 in the left-right direction isa pivoting operation about the center of rotation 47 of the eyeball, theleft-right position of the display part 11 is altered; as result, evenif the direction of the following line of sight varies, the relativepositional relationship of the line of sight and the display part 11 iskept substantially constant.

In part B, a motor 48 is attached to the rear end part 13 c, and the tipend part 13 a is attached to the rotating shaft. Accordingly, the tipend part 13 a is caused to pivot in the vertical direction by therotation of the motor 48. This axis of rotation is located exactly tothe side of the center of rotation 47 of the eyeball in the mountedstate of the head mounted display main body part 1, so that an extensionline 49 of the axis of rotation passes through the center of rotation 47of the eyeball. Accordingly, when the motor 48 is caused to rotate, thetip end part 13 a and display part 11 pivot; here, the center ofpivoting coincides with the center of rotation 47 of the eyeball.Consequently, as is shown in FIG. 30( d), even if the position of thedisplay part 11 varies in the vertical direction, the relativepositional relationship between the line of sight and the display part11 is maintained as a fixed relationship. In actuality, the fact thatthere is some deviation according to individual differences and mountingconditions is the same as in the pivoting that accompanies theleft-right swinging of the display part 11.

The other parts of this working configuration are almost identical tothe corresponding parts of the working configuration shown in FIG. 21;accordingly, a description of these parts is omitted.

(Twenty-Fourth Working Configuration)

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating how a head mounted display main bodypart constituting a twenty-fourth working configuration of the presentinvention is mounted on the head. In FIG. 31, the supporting part 13consists of three members 13 x, 13 y and 13 z, and the member 13 z isattached to the mounting part 15. Furthermore, the member 13 y isdisposed so that this member 13 y can slide through the member 13 z, andthe member 13 x is disposed so that this member 13 x can slide throughthe member 13 y. A display part 11 is attached to the member 13 x; thefact that the display part 11 can pivot with respect to the member 13 xis the same as in the previously described working configurations. Inthis structure, the supporting part 13 can be extended or retracted bycausing the members 13 x, 13 y and 13 z (which have a telescopingstructure) to slide with respect to each other.

FIG. 31 is a diagram in which the supporting part 13 is extended, sothat the display part 11 is positioned in front of the left eye. Whenthe display part 11 is desired to be retracted to the outside of thevisual field from the position shown in the figure, the display part 11is caused to pivot into a position that is close to parallel with thetip end part of the member 13 x; subsequently, the supporting part 13 isretracted by causing the members 13 x, 13 y and 13 z to slide withrespect to each other, so that the display part 11 is positioned to theside of the head, and is thus retracted to the outside of the visualfield.

In this structure, there is no need for any special structure toaccommodate the supporting part 13; furthermore, the supporting part 13can be extended and retracted by means of an extremely simpletelescoping structure, so that the display part 11 can be positioned infront of the eye, or retracted to the outside of the visual field.Furthermore, in this structure, in order to allow the members 13 x, 13 yand 13 z to slide with respect to each other, it is necessary that thesemembers have a rectilinear form, or a circular arc shape having the sameradius.

A method in which the supporting part 13 is formed with a pantographstructure or a folding structure is conceivable as a method of obtainingan operational effect comparable to that of this structure.

In the respective working configurations described above, there is noneed to perform an image display when the display part 11 is not in theuse position. Accordingly, when it is detected that the display part 11is not in the use position, it is desirable that the power supply to thedisplay part 11 be switched off. As a result, the useful life of thebattery can be prolonged.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to devise the system so that itis detected whether or not the head mounted display main body part ismounted on the head of the user, for example, by attaching a proximitysensor to the mounting part 15 or the like, and so that power issupplied to the display part 11 and respective driving parts only incases where this main body part is mounted. Alternatively, it would alsobe possible to devise the system so that in cases where it is detectedby such a sensor that the head mounted display main body part has beenmounted on the head of the user, driving is performed so as to move thedisplay part 11 into a position in front of the eye. Conversely, itwould also be possible to devise the system so that the display part 11is moved into the standby position when it is detected by such a sensorthat the head mounted display main body part is not mounted on the headof the user. Moreover, it would also be possible to provide an off-delaytimer for these movements, and to devise the system so that the displaypart 111 is moved into a position in front of the eye in cases where itis detected that the head mounted display main body part has beenmounted on the head of the user for a specified time, and so that thedisplay part 11 is conversely moved to the standby position when it isdetected that the head mounted display main body part has not beenmounted on the head of the user for a specified time.

Furthermore, it is desirable to attach a detection device that detectsthe position of the pupil of the eyeball to the display part 11, and toprovide a mechanism that moves the position of the image display devicein the display part 11 so that this device is aligned with the positionof the pupil according to this detection. In addition, there may becases in which it is desirable to make an adjustment in accordance withthe direction of the line of sight of the detected pupil, and to set thecontent of the displayed image as a content that is suited to theorientation of this line of sight.

(Twenty-Fifth Working Configuration)

FIG. 32 shows schematic diagrams of a first example of a system in whichoperating buttons 91 which are operating members that are used tomanipulate the images displayed on the display part 11 are attached tothe head mounted display main body part 1. FIG. 32( a) is a diagramshowing a case in which the head mounted display main body part 1 ismounted so that the display part 11 is positioned in front of the lefteye. The head mounted display main body part 1 is fastened to the headby a mounting part 15. Furthermore, a supporting part 13 is pulled outfrom here, and is aligned with the position of the left eye for use.

In the figure, the operating buttons 91 are attached to a holding part19, and do not move even when the display part 11 moves. In the figure,three operating buttons 91 are installed, and the shapes of theseoperating buttons are respectively different. Accordingly, when theseoperating buttons 91 are operated by hand HA, the operating button 91that is being touched cannot be directly confirmed by visualconfirmation; however, these operating buttons 91 can be distinguishedby sense of touch when the operating buttons 91 are touched.

FIG. 32( b) is a diagram showing a case in which the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 is mounted so that the display part 11 ispositioned in front of the right eye. In this case, the supporting part13 is attached on the right side, and the display part 11 can bepositioned in front of the right eye by pulling this supporting part 13out from the mounting part 15. In this state, the holding part 19 thatwas located on the left ear is moved to the right ear, and the holdingpart 19 that was located on the right ear is moved to the left ear;here, operating buttons 91′ are also attached to the holding part 19that newly covers the left ear.

Furthermore, the positions and shapes of these parts are the same asthose attached to the holding part 19 on the left ear in FIG. 32( a),and the functions of these parts are also the same. Accordingly, thewearer can operate the operating buttons 91 and 91′ by exactly the sameoperation in the case of FIG. 32( a) and the case of FIG. 32( b).

The roles of such operating buttons 91 and 91′ include on-off switchingof the video images, changeover switching of the types of video images,adjustment of the audio volume, on-off switching of the power supply,and the like. Furthermore, in cases where the extension and retractionof the supporting part 13 from and into the mounting part 15 isaccomplished by electrical driving, an operating button can also becaused to perform this role of operating switching.

(Twenty-Sixth Working Configuration)

Meanwhile, FIG. 33 shows schematic diagrams of a second example of ahead mounted display main body part 1 in which operating buttons 6constituting operating members that manipulate the images displayed onthe display part 11 are attached to the supporting part 13. In FIG. 33,the operating buttons 91 are attached to the supporting part 13. FIG.33( a) shows the conditions in a case in which the head mounted displaymain body part 1 is mounted so that the display part 11 is positioned inthe left eye position. In this working configuration, the operatingbuttons 91 are attached to the supporting part 13.

In the figures, three operating buttons 91 are installed; the shapes ofthese operating buttons 91 are respectively different. Accordingly, whenthese operating buttons 91 are operated by hand, the operating button 91that is being touched cannot be directly confirmed by visualconfirmation; however, these operating buttons 91 can be distinguishedby sense of touch when the operating buttons 91 are touched.

FIG. 33( b) shows the conditions in a case in which the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 is mounted so that the display part 11 ispositioned in the right eye position. In this case, as the supportingpart 13 is moved to the right side, the operating buttons 91 are alsoattached on the right side of the face. Accordingly, the operation ofthe operating buttons 91 is accomplished using the right hand. However,since the forward-rearward disposition relationship of the operatingbuttons 91 does not change, the positional relationship is easilygrasped; furthermore, since the shapes of the operating buttons 91 arerespectively different as was described above, the operating buttons 91can easily be discriminated by sense of touch.

Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 33, the shapes of theoperating buttons 91 are designed as circle, square and star shapes. Thecircle and square show vertical symmetry, while the star does not showvertical symmetry. Accordingly, if this star shape is changed to avertically symmetrical shape, e.g., a regular hexagonal shape, then theshapes of the operating buttons 91 will be the same with respect to thevertical direction in both FIG. 33( a) and FIG. 33( b).

Moreover, the shapes of these operating buttons 91 were varied so thatthe operating buttons were made distinguishable by sense of touch;however, for example, it would also be possible to make these buttonsdistinguishable by sense of touch by differentiating the dimensions ofthe buttons from each other.

Incidentally, with regard to the disposition of these operating buttons91, in a case where a disposition was tried in which theforward-rearward relationship was kept the same, but the left-rightrelationship was centered on the center of the face, the left-rightrelationship was reversed, so that users who were not accustomed to thisdisposition became confused in some cases. In order to prevent suchconfusion, it is desirable to display the disposition of the operatingbuttons 91 on the display part 11. An example of this is shown in FIG.34.

FIG. 34( a) shows the conditions in a case in which the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 is mounted so that the display part 11 islocated in the left eye position. In this case, the operating buttons 91are located on the left side as seen from the center of the face, andthe operating buttons 91 are lined up in the order circle, square, starfrom the center of the face. Accordingly, on the display screen 92 ofthe display part 11, an operating button display 93 is displayed on theleft side with the operating buttons lined up in the order circle,square star from the central part.

Furthermore, in cases where there is a relative size relationship amongthe respective operating buttons 91, the layout of the operating buttonscan be made much clearer by devising the system so that the display ofthe operating button display 93 on the display screen 92 of the displaypart 11 reflects this size relationship.

Incidentally, FIG. 34( b) shows the conditions in a case in which thehead mounted display main body part 1 is mounted so that the displaypart 11 is located in the right eye position. In this case, theoperating buttons 91 are located on the right side as seen from thecenter of the face, and the operating button display 91 are lined up inthe order circle, square, star from the center of the face. Accordingly,on the display screen 8 of the display part 11, the operating buttondisplay 93 is displayed on the right side with the operating buttonslined up in the order circle, square star from the central part.

As one example of a method for detecting whether the head mounteddisplay main body part 1 is in the position shown in FIG. 34( a) or inthe position shown in FIG. 34( b), it is possible to discriminatebetween the two positions by attaching a gravity sensor to the headmounted display main body part 1, and discriminating the direction inwhich gravity acts (as was described above). Furthermore, the same isalso true in cases where a sensor that detects the attachment positionis present. Moreover, as was described above, the supporting part 13 hasa jointed structure, and can move the display part 11 in the upward anddownward directions. In the case of such a structure, it is possible todistinguish the two positions according to the direction of bending ofthe joint parts.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to install touch sensors(pressure sensors, push button switches, or the like may also be used)on the respective operating buttons 91, and to devise the system so thatthe images of buttons touched by hand can be distinguished from otherimages (by varying the color or brightness, causing a flashing displayto be performed, or the like). If this is done, the operating button 91that is to be operated can be confirmed on the display screen of thedisplay part 11; accordingly, fewer operating mistakes are made.

Moreover, if touch sensors that can detect the positions touched by thefingers are used on the operating buttons or parts to which theoperating buttons are fastened, the relative positions of the fingerswith respect to the operating buttons can be detected. If the detectedfinger positions are displayed on the screen, operating mistakes can beprevented to an even greater degree.

In addition, in order to allow the viewing of other images, it is moredesirable that the display 93 of these operating buttons 91 not beperformed under ordinary conditions. Accordingly, the system may also bedevised so that the image 93 of all of the operating buttons 91 or theimage 93 of only the operating button 91 that is touched by the hand isdisplayed only when one of the operating buttons 91 is touched by thehand using the touch sensor.

Furthermore, although this is not shown in the figures, these operatingbuttons 91 may be attached to the mounting part 15 instead of thesupporting part 13. Since the operating positions of the operatingbuttons 91 are located on the rear side in this case, the operabilitydrops to some extent; however, since the mounting part 15 is a fixedpart, an effect of having fixed positions is obtained.

(Twenty-Seventh Working Configuration)

FIG. 35 shows diagrams illustrating an example in which the operatingbuttons 91 are attached to the back surface of the display part 11.Here, the operating buttons 91 are attached to the back surface of thedisplay part 11 in two places, and have circle and square shapes. FIG.35( a) shows a case in which the device is mounted so that the displaypart 11 is positioned in the left eye position, while FIG. 35( b) showsa case in which the device is mounted so that the display part 11 ispositioned in the right eye position. As is shown in the figures, theoperating buttons 6 have circle and square shapes, and the shapes arethe same in both cases; however, the left-right positions are reversed.Accordingly, in cases where the disposition of the operating buttons 91is shown in an image display as shown in FIG. 34, it is stronglynecessary to reverse the left and right.

Furthermore, in the example described above, the display image isrotated 180° between a case where the device is used on the left eye anda case where the device is used on the right eye. Accordingly, dependingon the method of use that is adopted, it is necessary to rotate theimage display 180°. As was described above, this can be realized, forexample, by making a judgment by means of a sensor as to whether thedevice is mounted for use on the left eye or mounted for use on theright eye, and performing switching by means of the image processingdevice accordingly.

(Twenty-Eighth Working Configuration)

FIG. 36 shows schematic diagrams illustrating how the portion that ismounted on the head in a head mounted display constituting atwenty-eighth working configuration of the present invention (i.e., thehead mounted display main body part) is mounted on the head; FIG. 36( a)is a perspective view, and FIG. 36( b) is a sectional plan view. Thehead mounted display main body part 1 is constructed with a mountingpart 15 which is mounted on the back part of the head, and whichpossesses elasticity so as to clamp the head, a supporting part 13 whichis fitted into the mounting part 15 so that this supporting part 13 canmove into and out of the mounting part 15, a display part 11 which isattached to the tip end part of the supporting part 13, and whichdisplays images, and left and right holding parts 19 which are attachedto the mounting part 15, as essential parts.

Holes 15 a are formed in the left and right tip end parts of themounting part 15. Switches 94 are installed in the back of the holes 15a, and the attachment of the supporting part 13 can be detected by thecontact parts 94 a of the switches 94 contacting the supporting part 13.It is ascertained by means of these switches 94 whether the head mounteddisplay is being used on the left eye or being used on the right eye,and the image display can be controlled accordingly.

FIG. 37 shows a state in which the display part 11 is used on the righteye, and the left eye is covered by an eye covering member. In thisworking configuration, the system is devised so that the eye coveringmember 95 is attached using the hole 15 a in the mounting part 15 on theleft side of the face, which is left open.

Specifically, the end part of the eye covering member 95 is insertedinto the hole 15 a of the mounting part 15, and the eye covering member95 is fastened to the mounting part 15. The figure shows a state inwhich the display part 11 is used on the right eye; it goes withoutsaying that in cases where the display part 11 is used on the left eye,the supporting part 13 is attached to the hole 15 a on the left side ofthe face, and the eye covering member 95 is attached to the hole 15 a onthe right side of the face. In this way, the eye covering member 95 caneither be used or not used by attaching the eye covering member 95 tothe hole 15 a of the mounting part 15 or removing the eye coveringmember 95 from the hole 15 a.

FIG. 38 shows a state in which the display part 11 is caused to displaya message that urges the user to change the eye viewing the images incases where the user has continued to view images for a specified periodof time during the observation of the images of the display part 11 in astate in which the eye covering member 95 is mounted on the mountingpart 15 as shown in FIG. 37. If the viewing of images is continued usingonly one eye, the eye may become fatigued, or a state of mental fatiguemay result. In cases where the viewing of images is continued with oneeye for a specified period of time, it is desirable to devise the systemso that such a message is displayed. Of course, in cases whereheadphones are provided, such a message may be transmitted by voice.

(Twenty-Ninth Working Configuration)

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing how the head mounted display mainbody part 1 of a head mounted display constituting a twenty-ninthworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.

In this working configuration, an eye covering member 95 is attached tothe tip end of the display part 11 via a hinge 8. In the state shown inthe figure, the hinge 96 is open, and the eye covering member 95 ispositioned in front of the left eye in a state in which this membercovers the left eye. If the eye covering member 95 is caused to rotatein the direction indicated by the arrow about the hinge 96 from thisstate, the eye covering member 95 is positioned on the back side of thedisplay part 11, and does not enter the visual field of the left eye.Thus, by moving the eye covering member 95, it is possible either to usethe eye covering member 95 or not to use the eye covering member 95.

(Thirtieth Working Configuration)

FIG. 40 is a plan view showing how the head mounted display main bodypart 1 of a head mounted display constituting a thirtieth workingconfiguration of the present invention is mounted on the head. Theschematic construction of the head mounted display main body part 1 ofthis working configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 37;however, the holes 15 a are formed as far as the deep inside parts ofthe mounting part 15, and the system is devised so that the handle partof the eye covering member 95 is inserted deeply into the interior ofthe corresponding hole 15 a. Accordingly, by pushing the eye coveringmember 95 in the direction indicated by the arrow from the use stateshown by the two-dot chain line in the figure so that the handle portionis pushed into the hole 15 a, the eye covering member 95 is positionedin the position indicated by the solid line in the figure, and is thusremoved from the visual field of the left eye. By thus moving the eyecovering member 95, it is possible either to use the eye covering member95 or not to use the eye covering member 95. Furthermore, the system maybe devised so that the driving mechanism such as a motor that is used todrive the eye covering member 95 is installed internally, and the eyecovering member 95 is moved by the driving force of this drivingmechanism.

FIG. 41 shows diagrams illustrating examples of the light blocking stateof the eye covering member 95 shown in FIG. 37 in the mounted state ofthis eye covering member 95. In the figure, 97 indicates the blockingportion of the eye covering member; this shows the shape of the eyecovering member 95 as seen from the side of the eye. A light blockingpart 98 is disposed in the vicinity of the central part of the blockingportion 97 of the eye covering member; this part is a part that blockslight completely. The size of the light blocking part 98 is set so thatthis size is the same as the size (in the visual field) of the imagethat is displayed on the display part 11, or larger than this size. As aresult, the image can be clearly seen. The reason that the size of thelight blocking part 98 is set at a size that is larger than the size ofthe image in the visual field is to ensure that the image fits securelywithin the light blocking part 98 even in cases where the visiblepositions of the image and the light blocking part 98 are not completelysuperimposed, but are rather slightly shifted.

In FIG. 41( a), a semi-transparent part 99 is disposed on the outside ofthe light blocking part 98. As a result of this semi-transparent part 99thus being disposed, the conditions of the outside world can be visuallyconfirmed to some extent compared to cases where all of the blockingportion 99 of the eye covering member is formed as a light blocking part98; thus, the degree of safety can be enhanced. Moreover, in cases wherethe area surrounding the image is extremely bright, the brightness ofthe displayed image can be adjusted.

In FIG. 41( b), the semi-transparent part 99 is devised so that thetransmissivity in the vicinity of the periphery of the light blockingpart 98 is low, and so that the transmissivity increases toward theperiphery. As a result, abrupt variations in brightness in theperipheral edge parts of the light blocking part 99 can be moderated, sothat eye fatigue can be reduced.

Furthermore, in cases where it is permissible for the display image tobe viewed with this image overlapping the outside image to some extent,all of the blocking portion 97 of the eye covering member may be madesemi-transparent.

Moreover, in cases where an eye covering member 95 such as thatdescribed above is not installed, if the amount of light that isincident on the eye observing the image and the amount of light that isincident on the eye on the opposite side that is not observing the imageare different, problems arise such as the image becoming difficult tosee. Accordingly, it is desirable to install a brightness sensor thatdetects the quantity of ambient light, and to devise the system so thatthe brightness of the image that is formed on the display part 11 iscontrolled on the basis of the output of this sensor.

As one example, the system may be devised so that the brightness of theimage that is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 29 shown in FIG. 4is controlled, or a light-reducing, filter may be installed between theliquid crystal panel 29 and the lens 31, and the system may be devisedso that the transmissivity of this light-reducing filter is controlled.It is sufficient if the light-reducing filter¹ is a filter whosetransmissivity can be varied in accordance with an instruction signalfrom the outside; for instance, a liquid crystal, an EC element(electrochromic element), or the like can be used. ¹Translator's note:actually, the term “light-reducing filter” is erroneously repeated inthe original.

(Thirty-First Working Configuration)

Below, a thirty-first working configuration of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIGS. 42, 43 and 44.

The head mounted display 110 comprises a display part 111, a circuitpart 113, and a mounting fitting (mounting part) 112. Furthermore, thecircuit part 113 may be fastened to the display part 111, fastened tosome location on the mounting fitting 112, or provided as a part that isseparate from the main body of the head mounted display 110 (not shownin FIG. 42).

A two-dimensional display element (hereafter defined as a liquid crystaldisplay element and abbreviated as “LCD”) 111 a and an ocular opticalsystem 111 b are disposed in the display part 111.

The circuit part 113 is a circuit that is used to display an image I onthe display screen E of the LCD 111 a. A control circuit 113 a, ananalog processing circuit 113 c, an A/D conversion circuit 1113 d, framememories 113 e and 113 f, an image processing circuit 113 g, and thelike are disposed in the circuit part 113.

The image signals (moving image signals or still image signals) that areinput into the circuit part 113 from the outside are input into theframe memory 113 e via the analog processing circuit 113 c and A/Dconversion circuit 113 d. After the image signals input into the framememory 113 e are subjected to image processing by the image processingcircuit 113 g, these image signals are sent out to the LCD 111 a of thedisplay part 111 via the frame memory 113 f.

This series of processing steps inside the circuit part 113 iscontrolled by the control circuit 113 a. An image I based on the imagesignals input from the circuit part 113 is displayed on the displayscreen E of the LCD 111 a inside the display part 111. The ocularoptical system 111 b inside the display part 111 forms a virtual imageof the display screen E of the LCD 111 a behind the LCD 111 a.

Specifically, the ocular optical system 111 b causes the light beamsemitted from various positions on the display screen E of the LCD 111 ato approach respective parallel light beams, and conducts these lightbeams to a specified position (eye point E.P.). The mounting fitting 112has a structure which allows the mounting of the display part 111 on thehead of the observer so that the eye point E.P. is positioned in theposition of the pupil of the eye 102 of the observer.

In a state in which the eye point E.P. is disposed in the position ofthe pupil of the eye 102, the display screen E of the LCD 111 a appearsto the observer to be more distant than the actual position.

Incidentally, in the present working configuration, the image processingthat is performed by the image processing circuit 113 g inside thecircuit part 113 includes processing that alters the displaymagnification S of the image I on the display screen E of the LCD 111 ain addition to general processing such as halftone conversionprocessing, and the like. The value of the display magnification S isappropriately set by the sending of instructions to the image processingcircuit 113 g by the control circuit 113 a.

FIG. 44 shows diagrams that illustrate the operation of the head mounteddisplay 110 of the present working configuration. FIG. 44( a) shows astate in which the pupil of the eye 102 is disposed at the eye pointE.P., and FIGS. 44( b) and 44(c) show states in which the eye 102 isdisposed in positions that are more distant than the eye point E.P.

FIG. 44( b) shows the display part 111′ of a conventional head mounteddisplay, while FIG. 44( c) shows the display part 111 of the headmounted display 110 of the present working configuration 111 a′ is anLCD, and 111 b′ is an ocular optical system. In a conventional headmounted display, as is shown in FIG. 44( b), if the pupil is disposed ata greater distance than the eye point E.P., light beams emitted from theperiphery of the image I cannot be incident on the pupil, so that theperiphery of the image I drops out as seen from the eye 102 of theobserver.

On the other hand, in the head mounted display 110 of the presentworking configuration, the display magnification S of the image I isvariable; accordingly, even if the eye 102 is disposed at a greaterdistance than the eye point E.P., light beams emitted from the peripheryof the image I can also be caused to be incident on the pupil if thedisplay magnification S is set at a small value as shown in FIG. 44( c).Consequently, dropout of the image I can be prevented.

In other words, in the head mounted display 110 of the present workingconfiguration, dropout of the image I caused by a shift in the distancebetween the face or eye 102 of the observer and the display part 111 canbe prevented. Furthermore, as a result of this, the degree of freedom ofthe positional relationship of the display part 111 with respect to theeye 102 is increased.

Accordingly, in the head mounted display 110 of the present workingconfiguration, adjustment mechanisms (indicated by the symbols 116, 117,118 and 119 in FIG. 42) are disposed in the mounting fitting 112 so thatthe observer can deliberately alter the positional relationship of thedisplay part 111 with respect to the eye 102.

The parts indicated by the symbols 116 and 117 in FIG. 42 are hingemechanisms, and the parts indicated by the symbols 118 and 119 in FIG.42 are slide mechanisms. For example, the mounting fitting 112 comprisesear mounted type headphones (mounting part holding parts) 112L and 112Rthat are respectively mounted on the left and right ears of theobserver, a rear arm (mounting part linking part) 112 b that links theleft and right headphones 112L and 12R, and a display arm (supportingpart) 12 c that is linked to the rear arm 112 b. The display part 111 isfastened to the tip end part of the display arm 12 c.

The display arm 12 c can be bent in the directions indicated by thearrows L1 and L2 by means of the hinge mechanisms 116 and 117. Thedisplay arm 12 c can also be extended or retracted in the directionsindicated by the arrows L3 and L4 by means of the slide mechanisms 118and 119. By utilizing the hinge mechanisms 116 and 117 and slidemechanisms 118 and 119, the observer can freely vary the position andangle of the display part 111 with respect to the eye 102.

Furthermore, by utilizing the hinge mechanisms 116 and 117 and slidemechanisms 118 and 119, it is also possible (in the case of an emergencyor the like) to immediately remove the display part 111 alone from infront of the eye 102 while leaving the head mounted display 110 in amounted state. Moreover, even if only some of these mechanisms, i.e.,the hinge mechanisms 116 and 117 and slide mechanisms 118 and 119, areinstalled, it is possible to vary the position and angle of the displaypart 111 with some degree of freedom.

In addition, if the number of hinge mechanisms and slide mechanisms isincreased, it is possible to vary the positional relationship with evengreater flexibility. Moreover, it would also be possible to utilize balljoint mechanisms instead of the hinge mechanisms 116 and 117.

The relationship between the distance L from a specified location on thedisplay part 111 to the face or eye 102 of the observer and the optimalvalue of the display magnification S of the image I (hereafter referredto as the “optimal magnification”) can be determined in advance from theoptical design data of the display part 111. Here, the term “optimalmagnification” refers to the maximum display magnification that allowsthe eye 102 of the observer to view the image I without any dropout,i.e., that allows the light emitted from various positions of the imageI to be incident in sufficient quantities on the pupil of the eye 102 ofthe observer. In other words, this “optimal magnification” is themaximum display magnification that allows light emitted from variouspositions of the image I to be incident on the pupil in sufficientquantities event if the eye 102 shows movement of the eyeball, as longas this movement is within a specified range.

Accordingly, an automatic control function is added to the head mounteddisplay 110 of the present working configuration as described below.First, the control circuit 113 a inside the circuit part 113 stores therelationship between the optimal magnification and the distance L to theface or eye 102 of the observer beforehand as a numerical formula orlook-up table. Furthermore, a distance sensor (indicated by the symbol115 in FIG. 42) that measures the distance L is installed on the headmounted display 110.

For example, as is shown in FIG. 42, the distance sensor 115 is fastenedto the display part 111 in a position that is slightly shifted from theposition facing the eye 102. Data indicating the distance L is acquiredby this distance sensor 115. The acquired data is input into the circuitpart 113 as shown in FIG. 43, so that the distance L is recognized bythe control circuit 113 a.

Then, the control circuit 113 a determines the optimal magnification forthe distance L on the basis of the distance L and the pre-storedrelationship. Then, the determined optimal magnification is set in theimage processing circuit 113 g as the display magnification S.

Thus, in the head mounted display 110 of the present workingconfiguration, the image I is always displayed at the optimalmagnification (here, the maximum display magnification of the range inwhich there is no dropout of the image I) in spite of any shift in thepositional relationship between the display part 111 and eye 102.

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, the control circuit113 a may also be operated so that a magnification that is close to theoptimal magnification among a limited number of values that are preparedbeforehand (i.e., an approximate magnification) is set as the displaymagnification S. However, since it is desirable that the displaymagnification S be set at a value that allows the eye 102 of theobserver to view the image I without any dropout, it is desirable thatan approximate magnification that is on the low side be selected.

(Thirty-Second Working Configuration)

A thirty-second working configuration of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46. Here, only points ofdifference from the head mounted display of the thirty-first workingconfiguration will be described; a description of other parts will beomitted.

The head mounted display 120 of this working configuration is a headmounted display in which a position sensor (encoder or the like) 125 isprovided instead of the distance sensor 115, and a circuit part 123 isprovided instead of the circuit part 113, in the head mounted display110 of the first working configuration. The circuit part 123 is acircuit part in which a control circuit 123 a is provided instead of thecontrol circuit 113 a in the circuit part 113.

Like the control circuit 113 a, the control circuit 123 a stores therelationship between the distance L and the optimal magnificationbeforehand. The position sensor 125 is installed, for example, in thevicinity of the slide mechanism 118, and produces data that indicatesthe extended or retracted position of the display arm 112 c.

Accordingly, data indicating the distance L from the display part 111 tothe eye 102 is indirectly acquired by this position sensor 125. If thisposition sensor 125 is used, the precision is not as high as that of thedistance sensor 115 of the first working configuration; nevertheless,the distance L can be measured. The acquired data is input into thecircuit part 123 as shown in FIG. 46, so that the distance L isrecognized by the control circuit 123 a.

On the basis of the recognized distance L and the pre-storedrelationship, the control circuit 123 a determines the optimalmagnification for the distance L. Then, the determined optimalmagnification is set as the display magnification S in the imageprocessing part 113 g.

Thus, in the head mounted display 120 of the present workingconfiguration as well, the image I is always displayed at the optimalmagnification (here, the maximum display magnification of the range inwhich there is no dropout of the image I) in spite of any shift in thepositional relationship between the display part 111 and eye 102.

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, a sensor (positionsensor) was installed only in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 118;however, it would also be possible to improve the measurement precisionof the distance L by installing a sensor in the vicinity of at least oneof the following parts: namely, the hinge mechanism 116, hinge mechanism117 or slide mechanism 119 (incidentally, an angle sensor is used as asensor that detects the pivoting angle of the hinge mechanism).

(Thirty-Third Working Configuration)

A thirty-third working configuration of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 47 and 48. Here, only points ofdifference from the head mounted display of the thirty-first workingconfiguration will be described; a description of other parts will beomitted.

The head mounted display 130 of the present working configuration is ahead mounted display in which a magnification setting dial 135 isprovided instead of the distance sensor 115, and a circuit part 133 isprovided instead of the circuit part 113, in the head mounted display110 of the thirty-first working configuration.

The circuit part 133 is a circuit part in which a control circuit 133 ais provided instead of the control circuit 113 a in the circuit part113. For example, the magnification setting dial 135 is disposed on oneof the headphones (the headphone 112L in FIG. 47) or the like. Themagnification setting dial 135 is a dial type switch, and producessignals in accordance with a dial turning operation performed by theobserver.

The signals thus produced are input into the circuit part 133 as shownin FIG. 48, and the content of the operation of the magnificationsetting dial 135 is recognized by the control circuit 133 a. The controlcircuit 133 a sets a value corresponding to the content of the operationof the magnification setting dial 135 in the image processing circuit133 g as the display magnification S. Accordingly, the observer cancause the image I to be displayed at the desired magnification merely byoperating the magnification setting dial 135.

Consequently, even if the positional relationship between the displaypart 111 and the eye 102 should shift, the observer can eliminatedropout of the image I by operating the magnification setting dial 135so that the observer can view the entire image I. Furthermore, in thehead mounted display 130 of the present working configuration, as isshown at the lower right in FIG. 48, the control circuit 133 a may alsobe operated so that character information indicating the displaymagnification S during setting (e.g., “×0.6”) is displayed on thedisplay screen E of the LCD 111 a along with the image I.

Moreover, it goes without saying that some other type of switch such asa pushbutton type switch may also be used for the magnification settingdial 135. Furthermore, in the present working configuration, it wasindicated that a magnification setting dial 135 was used as the inputmeans, and that the observer could designate the display magnification.However, it would also be possible to devise the system so that theinformation that can be input by the observer is only the designation ofan alteration of the display magnification (in this case, a“magnification alteration dial” or the like is used as the input means).

(Other) In the head mounted display 130 of the present workingconfiguration, a magnification setting dial 135 is used as the inputmeans, and it was indicated that the information that can be designatedby the observer is the display magnification (“OO×”). However, theinformation that can be designated by the observer may also be thedistance (“OO cm” or the like) between the face or eye 102 of theobserver and the display part 11.

If the system is thus devised so that “distance,” which is a physicalquantity that is used on an everyday basis, can be designated, theobserver can operate the input means intuitively. In this case,furthermore, a “display distance setting dial” is used as the inputmeans. The control circuit 133 a inside the circuit part 133 determinesthe optimal magnification for the designated distance, and thisdetermined optimal magnification can be set in the image processingcircuit 113 g as the display magnification S.

Furthermore, information that can be designated by the observer may alsobe the state (“extended or retracted position +OO cm of the display arm112 c” or the like) of at least one of the adjustment mechanisms (116,117, 118 and 119). In this case, a “state setting dial” is used as theinput means. The control circuit 133 a inside the circuit part 133determines the optimal magnification for the designated state, and thisdetermined optimal magnification can be set as the display magnificationS in the image processing circuit 113 g.

Moreover, information that can be designated by the observer may also bethe virtual display size (“appears as OO inches at a distance of OO cm”or the like). In this case, a “display size setting dial” is used as theinput means. The control circuit 133 a inside the circuit part 133determines the optimal magnification for the designated virtual displaysize, and this determined optimal magnification can be set as thedisplay magnification S in the image processing circuit 113 g.

Furthermore, the relationship between the virtual display size and theoptimal magnification can be determined beforehand from the opticaldesign data of the display part 111 and the like.

(Thirty-Fourth Working Configuration)

Below, a thirty-fourth working configuration of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIGS. 49 and 50. Here, only thepoints of difference from the head mounted display of the thirty-firstworking configuration will be described; a description of other partswill be omitted.

The head mounted display 140 of the present working configuration is ahead mounted display in which an offset button 145 and a magnificationsetting dial 135 are provided in the head mounted display 110 of thethirty-first working configuration, and a circuit part 143 is providedinstead of the circuit part 113.

The circuit part 143 is a circuit part in which a control circuit 143 ais provided instead of the control circuit 113 a in the circuit part113. The magnification setting dial 135 is installed, for example, onone of the headphones (the headphone 112L in FIG. 49). The magnificationsetting dial 135 is a dial type switch, and produces signals inaccordance with a turning operation performed by the observer.

The offset button 145 is installed, for example, on one of theheadphones (the headphone 112L in FIG. 49). The offset button 145 is apushbutton type switch, and produces signals when operated by theobserver. Furthermore, another type of switch such as a pushbutton typeswitch may also be used for the magnification setting dial 135.

Moreover, a single switch which has the functions of both the offsetbutton 145 and the magnification setting dial 135 (jog dial or the like)may also be used. The signals produced by the magnification setting dial135 and offset button 145 are input into the circuit part 143 as shownin FIG. 50, and are respectively recognized by the control circuit 143a.

In the head mounted display 140 constructed as described above, when thepower supply (not shown in the figures) is switched on, the controlcircuit 143 a sets a value corresponding to the operation of themagnification setting dial 135 as the display magnification S in theimage processing circuit 113 g. The image I is displayed on the displayscreen E at the display magnification S. The observer on whom the headmounted display 140 is mounted adjusts the display magnification S byoperating the magnification setting dial 135, and adjusts the angle andposition of the display part 111 by adjusting respective parts of themounting fitting 112. Furthermore, at the point in time at which theimage I can be visually recognized comfortably (i.e., the point in timeat which the entire image I can be seen, so that it is recognized thatthe image I is displayed with a sufficiently large size), the observeroperates the offset button 145.

The control circuit 143 a views the display magnification S at the pointin time at which the offset button 145 is operated as the referencemagnification S0. Furthermore, the control circuit 143 a recognizes thedistance L from the display part 111 to the eye 102 at the point in timeat which the offset button 145 is operated from the output of thedistance measurement sensor 115, and views this recognized distance L asthe reference distance L0.

Subsequently, in cases where the distance L is greater than thereference distance L0, the control circuit 143 a sets the displaymagnification S at a value that is smaller than the referencemagnification S0, and in cases where the distance L is less than thereference distance L0, the control circuit 143 a sets the displaymagnification S at a value that is greater than the referencemagnification S0. In the case of such a head mounted display 140, theimage I can be displayed at a display magnification that allowscomfortable visual recognition by the observer regardless of any shiftin the positional relationship between the display part 111 and the eye102.

Furthermore, a distance measurement sensor 115 similar to that used inthe head mounted display 110 of the thirty-first working configurationwas used in the head mounted display 140 of the present workingconfiguration; however, it would also be possible to use a positionsensor 125 similar to that of the head mounted display 120 of the secondworking configuration instead of this distance measurement sensor 115.

Moreover, in the head mounted display 140 of the present workingconfiguration, the control circuit 143 a may also be operated so thatcharacter information indicating the display magnification S duringsetting (e.g., “×0.6”) is displayed on the display screen E of the LCD111 a along with the image I.

Furthermore, the operation of the head mounted display 140 of thepresent working configuration can be realized as long as data indicatingthe variation of the distance L from the point in time at which theoffset button 145 is operated can be acquired, even if data indicatingthe distance L cannot be acquired. Accordingly, in the case of the headmounted display 140 of the present working configuration, the positionsensor or distance measurement sensor may also be simplified.

In addition, in the present working configuration, it was indicated thata magnification setting dial 135 is used as the input means, and thatthe observer could designate the display magnification. However, thesystem may also be devised so that the information that can be input bythe observer is only the designation of changes in the displaymagnification (in this case, a “magnification alteration dial” or thelike is used as the input means).

(Other) In the head mounted display 140 of the present workingconfiguration, it was indicated that a magnification setting dial 135was used as the input means, and that the information that could bedesignated by the observer in this case was the display magnification(“OO×”). However, the information that can be designated by the observermay also be the distance (“OO cm” or the like) between the face or eye102 of the observer and the display part 111.

If the system is thus devised so that “distance,” which is a physicalquantity used on an everyday basis, can be designated, the observer canoperate the input means intuitively. In this case, furthermore, a“display distance setting dial” is used as the input means. The controlcircuit 143 a inside the circuit part 143 determines the optimalmagnification for the designated distance, and this determined optimalmagnification can be set in the image processing circuit 113 g as thedisplay magnification S.

Moreover, information that can be designated by the observer may also bethe state (“expansion-retraction position of the display arm 112 c+OOcm” or the like) of at least one of the adjustment mechanisms (116, 117,118 and 119) shown in FIG. 42. In this case, a “state setting dial” isused as the input means. The control circuit 143 a inside the circuitpart 143 determines the optimal magnification for the designated state,and this determined magnification can be set in the image processingcircuit 113 g as the display magnification S.

Furthermore, information that can be designated by the observer may alsobe the virtual display size (“appears as OO inches at a distance of OOcm” or the like). In this case, a “display size setting dial” is used asthe input means. The control circuit 143 a inside the circuit part 143determines the optimal magnification for the designated virtual displaysize, and this determined optimal magnification can be set as thedisplay magnification S in the image processing circuit 13 g.

(Thirty-Fifth Working Configuration)

A thirty-fifth working configuration of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 51 and 52. Here, only the pointsof difference from the head mounted display of the thirty-third workingconfiguration will be described; a description of other parts will beomitted. FIGS. 51( a) and 51(b) are model diagrams of the head mounteddisplay 150 of the present working configuration, and FIG. 51( c) is asectional view along line A-A′ (driving mechanism 155) in FIG. 51( a).

Furthermore, FIGS. 51( a) and 51(b) are diagrams in which the headmounted display 150 mounted on the head of the observer is seen from thedirection above the head of the observer. FIG. 52 is a structuraldiagram of the head mounted display 150.

In addition to a magnification setting dial 135, a driving mechanism 155which drives the adjustment mechanisms (116, 117, 118 and 119) shown inFIG. 42 is added to the head mounted display 150 of the present workingconfiguration.

A case will be described below in which a driving mechanism 155 is addedfor the slide mechanism 118 (mechanism which causes the extension andretraction of the display arm 112 c) in particular among the adjustmentmechanisms as shown in FIGS. 51( a) and 51(b). As is shown in FIG. 51(c), the driving mechanism 155 comprises a driving motor 155 a and a cammember 155 b and the like interposed between the display arm 112 c andrear arm 112 b of the slide mechanism 118.

When the driving motor 155 a rotates, the cam member 155 b that islinked to this motor is driven, and the display arm 112 c is fed outfrom the rear arm 112 b in accordance with the driving of this cammember 155 b, so that the extension-retraction position varies.Accordingly, the positional relationship of the display part 111 withrespect to the face or eye 102 of the observer is caused to vary by thedriving of the driving motor 155 a.

FIG. 51( a) shows the conditions when the extension-retraction positionof the display arm 112 c is the maximum position, while FIG. 51( b)shows the conditions when the extension-retraction position of thedisplay arm is the minimum position.

A motor controller 156 that controls the driving motor 155 a is disposedin the circuit part 153 inside the head mounted display 150 of thepresent working configuration as shown in FIG. 52. This motor controller156 is controlled by the control circuit 153 a inside the circuit part153.

Here, the relationship between the display magnification S of the imageI and the optimal extension-retraction position of the display arm 112 cfor this display magnification S (hereafter referred to as the “optimalextension-retraction position”) is determined beforehand from the designdata or the like of the head mounted display 150. The term “optimalextension-retraction position” refers to an extension-retractionposition that allows the eye 102 of the observer to view the image Iwithout any dropout, and at as large a size as possible.

The control circuit 153 a inside the circuit part 153 stores therelationship between the display magnification S and the optimalextension-retraction position corresponding to this displaymagnification S beforehand as a numerical formula or lookup table. Thecontrol circuit 153 a sets a value corresponding to the content of theoperation of the magnification setting dial 135 in the image processingcircuit 113 g as the display magnification S, and determines the optimalextension-retraction position for this display magnification S on thebasis of the relationship described above. Then, the driving mechanism155 is driven via the motor controller 156 so that the display arm 112 cis fed out to the determined optimal extension-retraction position.

Thus, in the head mounted display 150 of the present workingconfiguration, not only can the observer alter the display magnificationof the image I, but the positional relationship of the display part 111with respect to the face or eye 102 of the observer in this case is alsoautomatically adjusted so that the observer can visually recognize theimage I without any dropout.

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, a driving mechanismwas installed only in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 118; however,it would also be possible to install a driving mechanism in the vicinityof at least one of the other mechanisms, [i.e.,] the hinge mechanism116, hinge mechanism 117 or slide mechanism 1119, so that the positionof the display part 111 can be automatically adjusted with even greaterflexibility.

Moreover, in the present working configuration, it was indicated that amagnification setting dial 135 was used as the input means, so that theobserver could designate the display magnification. However, the systemmay also be devised so that the information that can be input by theobserver is only the designation of changes in the display magnification(in this case, a “magnification alteration dial” or the like is used asthe input means).

(Other) In the head mounted display 150 of the present workingconfiguration, it was indicated that a magnification setting dial 135was used as the input means, and that the information that could bedesignated by the observer in this case was the display magnification(“OO×”). However, the information that can be designated by the observermay also be the distance (“OO cm” or the like) between the face or eye102 of the observer and the display part 111. If the system is thusdevised so that “distance,” which is a physical quantity used on aneveryday basis, can be designated, the observer can operate the inputmeans intuitively.

In this case, furthermore, a “display distance setting dial” is used asthe input means. The control circuit 153 a inside the circuit part 153determines the optimal magnification for the designated distance, andthis determined optimal magnification can be set in the image processingcircuit 113 g as the display magnification S; furthermore, thepositional relationship of the display part 111 with respect to the faceor eye 102 of the observer can be automatically adjusted so that thedesignated distance can be realized.

Furthermore, information that can be designated by the observer may alsobe the state (“expansion-retraction position of the display arm 112 c+OOcm” or the like) of at least one of the adjustment mechanisms (116, 117,118 and 119). In this case, a “state setting dial” is used as the inputmeans. The control circuit 153 a inside the circuit part 153 determinesthe optimal magnification for the designated state, and this determinedoptimal magnification can be set in the image processing circuit 113 gas the display magnification S; furthermore, the positional relationshipof the display part 111 with respect to the face or eye 102 of theobserver can be automatically adjusted so that the designated state canbe realized.

Moreover, information that can be designated by the observer may also bethe virtual display size (“appears as OO inches at a distance of OO cm”or the like). In this case, a “display size setting dial” is used as theinput means. The control circuit 153 a inside the circuit part 153determines the optimal magnification for the designated virtual displaysize, and this determined optimal magnification can be set as thedisplay magnification S in the image processing circuit 113 g;furthermore, the positional relationship of the display part 111 withrespect to the face or eye 102 of the observer can be automaticallyadjusted so that the designated virtual display size can be realized.

(Thirty-Sixth Working Configuration)

A thirty-sixth working configuration of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 53. Here, only the points ofdifference from the head mounted display of the thirty-third workingconfiguration will be described; a description of other parts will beomitted. In the head mounted display 160 of the present workingconfiguration, measurement means which detects the positionalrelationship between the eye 102 and the display part 111 is added inaddition to the magnification setting dial 135.

Below, a case will be described in which a position sensor 125 thatproduces data indicating the extension-retraction position of thedisplay arm 12 c (see FIG. 45 of the thirty-second workingconfiguration) is added in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 118 asthe measurement means as shown in FIG. 53.

The acquired data is input into the circuit part 163, so that theextension-retraction position is recognized by the control circuit 163a. Accordingly, the positional relationship of the display part 111 withrespect to the face or eye 102 of the observer is detected from theoutput of the position sensor 125. The control circuit 163 a stores therelationship between the display magnification S and the optimalextension-retraction position for this display magnification beforehandas a numerical formula or lookup table.

The control circuit 163 a sets a value corresponding to the content ofthe operation of the magnification setting dial 135 in the imageprocessing circuit 113 g as the display magnification S, and determinesthe optimal extension-retraction position for this display magnificationS on the basis of this relationship. Then, the currentextension-retraction position of the display arm 112 c indicated by theposition sensor 125 and the determined optimal extension-retractionposition are compared, and in cases where the two positions do not agreewith sufficient precision, instructions are sent to the image processingcircuit 113 g so that a specified warning display (e.g., a display ofcharacter information such as “please adjust arm or magnification” asshown in the lower-right part of FIG. 53) is displayed on the displayscreen E.

Thus, in the head mounted display 160 of the present workingconfiguration, not only can the observer alter the display magnificationof the image I, but a warning display is also automatically performed inthis case when the observer is in a state that does not allow visualrecognition of the image I without any dropout. Furthermore, in thepresent working configuration, a sensor was installed only in thevicinity of the slide mechanism 118; however, it would also be possibleto install a sensor in the vicinity of at least one of the othermechanisms, [i.e.,] the hinge mechanism 116, hinge mechanism 117 orslide mechanism 119, so that the positional relationship of the displaypart 111 with respect to the face or eye 102 of the observer can bedetected with even higher precision.

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, it was indicated thata magnification setting dial 135 was used as the input means, so thatthe observer could designate the display magnification. However, thesystem may also be devised so that the information that can be input bythe observer is only the designation of changes in the displaymagnification (in this case, a “magnification alteration dial” or thelike is used as the input means).

(Other) In the head mounted display 160 of the present workingconfiguration, it was indicated that a magnification setting dial 135was used as the input means, and that the information that could bedesignated by the observer in this case was the display magnification(“OO×”). However, the information that can be designated by the observermay also be the distance (“OO cm” or the like) between the face or eye102 of the observer and the display part 111. If the system is thusdevised so that “distance,” which is a physical quantity used on aneveryday basis, can be designated, the observer can operate the inputmeans intuitively.

In this case, furthermore, a “display distance setting dial” is used asthe input means. The control circuit 163 a inside the circuit part 163determines the optimal magnification for the designated distance, andthis determined optimal magnification can be set in the image processingcircuit 113 g as the display magnification S; furthermore, a judgment ismade as to whether or not the current extension-retraction position ofthe display arm 112 c indicated by the position sensor 125 realizes thedesignated distance, and in cases where it is judged that this distanceis not realized, a warning display may be performed.

Furthermore, information that can be designated by the observer may alsobe the state (“expansion-retraction position of the display arm 112 c+OOcm” or the like) of at least one of the adjustment mechanisms (116, 117,118 and 119). In this case, a “state setting dial” is used as the inputmeans. The control circuit 163 a inside the circuit part 163 determinesthe optimal magnification for the designated state, and this determinedoptimal magnification can be set in the image processing circuit 113 gas the display magnification S; furthermore, a judgment is made as towhether or not the current extension-retraction position of the displayarm 112 c indicated by the position sensor 125 realizes the designatedstate, and in cases where it is judged that this state is not realized,a warning display may be performed.

Moreover, information that can be designated by the observer may also bethe virtual display size (“appears as OO inches at a distance of OO cm”or the like). In this case, a “display size setting dial” is used as theinput means. The control circuit 163 a inside the circuit part 163determines the optimal magnification for the designated virtual displaysize, and this determined optimal magnification can be set as thedisplay magnification S in the image processing circuit 113 g;furthermore, a judgment is made as to whether or not the currentextension-retraction position of the display arm 112 c indicated by theposition sensor 125 realizes the designated virtual display size, and incases where it is judged that this display size is not realized, awarning display may be performed.

(Other) Furthermore, in any of the head mounted displays of the workingconfigurations described above, if a nonvolatile memory is used in thecircuit part, the setting (display magnification S) immediately prior tothe switching off of the power supply can be stored, and the controlcircuit can be actuated so that this setting is reproduced immediatelyafter the power supply is switched on. Furthermore, in the head mounteddisplay 150 of the fifth working configuration described above, sincethe adjustment mechanism (slide mechanism 118) is electrically driven bythe driving motor 155 and the like, the control circuit 153 a can beactuated so that not only the display magnification S, but also thesetting of the position of the display part 111, can be stored andreproduced.

(Thirty-Seventh Working Configuration)

FIG. 54 shows the schematic construction of a head mounted displayconstituting a thirty-seventh working configuration of the presentinvention.

As is shown in FIG. 54, the head mounted display has an image outputpart (display part) 200 which has the function of outputting images tothe user U, audio output parts (holding parts of the mounting part) 300which have the functions of holding the head mounted display andgenerating audio such as voice, music and effect sounds, and a mountingpart 400 which includes the image output part 200 and audio output parts300 (300R and 300L, same below), and which is used to mount these partsin a freely detachable manner on the head H of the user U. Furthermore,detection sensors 280 (280 a through 280 c, same below) that measure thedistance between the display part 200 and outside obstructions are alsopresent.

Furthermore, this head mounted display has a driving unit D whichoutputs image display signals and audio output signals to the respectivemembers mounted on the head; this can be actuated by being connected viaa cable 900.

The respective constituent elements of this head mounted display will bedescribed below.

As is shown in FIG. 56, the display part 200 has an electro-opticalconverter 210 which is a two-dimensional display element that forms animage by converting image display signals that express an image intooptical signals, a lens system 221 constituting an ocular optical systemthat enlarges the formed image, an optical system 220 with a lens barrel230 that accommodates this lens system 221, detection sensors 280, and acase 240 that accommodates all of these elements.

The electro-optical converter 210 used in the present workingconfiguration can be constructed by means of a display element thatforms an image. There are two main types of such electro-opticalconverters. The first type is a device with a configuration in which acell whose transmissivity or reflectivity varies in accordance with theimage output signal is disposed corresponding to each pixel, and animage is formed by varying the transmissivity or reflectivity of eachpixel for light from another light source. The second type is a devicewith a configuration in which an element that emits light itself isdisposed corresponding to each pixel, and an image is formed by varyingthe brightness of the light emitted by the respective elements inaccordance with the image output signal. For instance, a liquid crystaldisplay element in which liquid crystal cells whose transmissivity orreflectivity can be varied are disposed in a two-dimensional arrangementmay be cited as an example of a device having the former configuration.Furthermore, for instance, an organic EL element in which light-emittingelements that are caused to emit light themselves by an electricalsignal are disposed in a two-dimensional arrangement may be cited as anexample of a device having the latter configuration. In the presentinvention, a device having either of these configurations may be used.

Moreover, in the electro-optical converter 210, for example, an imagecan be formed as on the display screen of an information processingdevice. Of course, moving images can also be displayed.

In the present working configuration, the optical system 220 has a lenssystem 221 which has a construction such as that shown in FIG. 56. Thelens system 221 enlarges the image that is formed by the electro-opticalconverter 210. In concrete terms, a false image is formed. By focusingthis false image on the retina of the naked eye of the user, it ispossible to display the image, for example, as though the user wereviewing the image over the entire visual field.

The lens barrel 230 has a lens accommodating part 231 that accommodatesthe lens system 221 described above, a converter accommodating part 232that accommodates the electro-optical converter 210, and a lightblocking part 233 that maintains the distance from the electro-opticalconverter 210 at a constant value, and that blocks light so thatexternal light is prevented from entering. The lens barrel 230 is formedfrom a light blocking material.

For example, the case 240 is formed from a light blocking plastic. Anopening part 242 is formed in the surface of the case 240 that faces theuser U. The lens system 221 is accommodated inside this opening part242. Furthermore, one end of the case 240 forms a linking part that islinked to the supporting arm 420 (which constitutes a supporting part).

As is shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, the detection sensor 280 a is disposedon the surface of the display part 200 that faces the user U, and thedetection region of this sensor is the space where the presence of theuser U might be predicted when the head mounted display is mounted onthe head. The outputs of the detection sensors 280 a and 280 b are sentto the state detection device 955 (see FIG. 58) of the driving unit Dvia the cable 900.

For example, distance sensors which use an infrared LED as alight-emitting element, which use a PSD element as a light-receivingsensor, and which apply the principle of active auto-focus, can beutilized as the detection sensors. Furthermore, the detection sensor 280a may also be a contact sensor or a proximity sensor.

The audio output parts 300 convert an audio output signal into sound. Inthe present working configuration, a left audio output part 300L and aright audio output part 300R are installed.

Ordinarily, parts that have been formed into commercial products asheadphones can be used as such audio output parts 300. As will bedescribed later, the audio output parts 300L and 300R are driven by themounting part 400 in a direction that causes these parts to approacheach other. Furthermore, in the present working configuration, the audiooutput parts 300 may also function (in terms of structure) as contactparts that contact the ears when this head mounted display is mounted onthe head H of the user U, together with the mounting part 400 (describedlater).

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, a connecting part(not shown in the figures) that connects the cable 900 and internalwiring is disposed on the side of the audio output part 300L.

As is shown in FIG. 54, the mounting part 400 has a band (linking part)410 that links the left and right audio output parts 300L and 300R, andan image output part supporting arm 420 which is disposed on one end ofthe band 410. In the present working configuration, the display partsupporting arm 420 is linked and fastened at one end of the band 410 toa supporting arm supporting part 440 that is adjacent to the audiooutput part 300L. The band 410 has a shape that is bent so that the headH of the user U can be clamped from the rear.

Furthermore, the band 410 is constructed from a main body 411, a displaypart supporting arm accommodating part 412 which accommodates thedisplay part supporting arm 420 so that this arm can freely protrude andretract, and a supporting arm actuator 490 which drives the display partsupporting arm 320. Moreover, the audio output parts 300L and 300R arelinked and fastened to both ends of the band 410.

In addition, wiring (not shown in the figures) that is connected to thecable 900 from the driving unit D is disposed on the band 410. A portionof this wiring passes through the display part 200, while anotherportion of the wiring passes through the left and right audio outputparts 300L and 300R. Furthermore, there is also wiring that passesthrough the supporting arm actuator 490 and detection sensor 280 a. Thewiring that passes through the display part 200 is connected with thewiring that is disposed inside the display part supporting arm 420.

In the present working configuration, an opening part 412 b is formed inthe display part supporting arm accommodating part 412 adjacent to theaudio output part 300L. The display part supporting arm 420 can protrudefrom and retract into this opening part 412 b. Furthermore, as is shownin FIG. 55(A), the supporting arm actuator 490 is disposed in thedisplay part supporting arm accommodating part 412.

FIG. 55(B) is a sectional view along the section A-A′ of the supportingarm actuator 490 (described later) which can vary the position of theimage output part 200. As is shown in FIG. 55(B), the supporting armactuator 490 has a motor 491, a motor shaft 492, and a roller 493 whichis disposed on the motor shaft 492 and which rotates simultaneously andcoaxially with the motor shaft 492. The side surface of the roller 493contacts one side surface of the display part supporting arm 420 with asufficient frictional force. Accordingly, the display part supportingarm 420 can move through the display part supporting arm accommodatingpart 412 and emerge from or retract into the opening part 412 b inaccordance with the rotation of the roller 493.

Furthermore, the supporting arm actuator 490 is controlled by asupporting arm control device 959 that is disposed in the driving unitD. A motor (e.g., a pulse motor) which can realize an angular speed thatcorresponds to commands from the control device 959 may also be used asthe supporting arm actuator 490.

Moreover, by using a pulse motor or the like, it is possible to set theamount by which the supporting arm 420 is fed out with fine precision;accordingly, the position of the display part 200 can be finelyadjusted.

In addition, a stopper (not shown in the figures) is disposed in theopening part 412 b. As a result, the display part supporting arm 420does not fall out when this arm is pulled out; moreover, contact betweenthe side surface of the roller 493 and one side surface of the displaypart supporting arm 420 can be constantly maintained.

A guide rail (not shown in the figures) is installed in the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 412 so that the extension andretraction of the display part supporting arm 420 can be performed in asmooth manner. As a result, the mounting part supporting arm 420 can becaused to slide in a smooth manner.

Accordingly, when the display part supporting arm 420 is placed in ausable state, or when the position of the display part 200 is varied inaccordance with the detection results of the detection sensor 280 a, theextension or retraction operation that is performed by the driving forceof the motor 491 is facilitated.

(Driving Unit and the Like)

The respective members of the head mounted display of the presentworking configuration that are mounted on the head are operated by theconnection of these members via the cable 900 with the driving unit Dthat outputs image display signals and audio output signals, and thatalso outputs control signals to the supporting arm actuator 490.

As is shown in FIG. 58, the driving unit D has an image output signalprocessing device 951 which processes image display signals in order tosend these image display signals to the display part 200, an audiooutput signal processing device 952 which is used to send audio outputsignals to the audio output part 300, a storage device 953, a centralcontrol device 954 which manages the driving unit as a whole, asupporting arm actuator control device 959 which controls the supportingarm actuator 490, a power supply control circuit 956 which is used tocontrol the on-off switching and power saving mode of the power supply,and a battery 957. Furthermore, this driving unit D has a statedetection device 955 which receives the detection results from thedetection sensor 280 a. Moreover, the driving unit D has an input-outputinterface 958 which exchanges information, signals, and the like withthe respective members mounted on the head mounted display head part.The driving unit D also has a main switch SW that is used to performon-off switching of the power supply. Furthermore, a connector CN isprovided which is used to connect the plug 910 of the cable 900 that isused to exchange signals with the head mounted display. Moreover, arechargeable battery 957 is provided as a power supply.

The connector CN has a multi-pin structure that is used to connect imageoutput signals, audio output signals, light adjustment control signals,light sensor detection signals, and the like. Furthermore, with regardto the shape of the connector, this shape is not limited to a shape thatis circular in cross section. An angular shape or a connector in whichthe pins have an arrangement such as single in-line or dual in-line mayalso be used. Furthermore, in cases where the respective signals aretransferred by means of packets or the like, pins that can handle highfrequencies are advisable. In such cases, various types of signals aresent as data according to a fixed communication protocol. In this case,a communication control device is further provided.

In addition to programs, image information, audio information, and thelike that are the basis for producing image display signals and audiooutput signals are stored in the storage device 953. For example, a harddisk device is used as the storage device 953. Of course, the presentinvention is not limited to this. Other storage media may also be used.

The state detection device 955 calculates the distance between thedetection sensor 280 a and the object on the basis of the detectionresults sent from the detection sensor 280 a, and sends the results ofthese calculations to the central control device 954. The constructionof a head mounted display to which the present working configuration isapplied has been described above.

Next, the operation of the head mounted display constructed as describedabove will be described. In a state in which the user U is using thehead mounted display of the present working configuration, the headmounted display is mounted on the head H, and the display part 200protrudes from the supporting part 400, and is fixed in place in frontof the eye. Here, a case will be considered in which the distancebetween the user U and the image output part 200 is a distance thatresults in contact or a distance that is substantially close to a stateof contact.

First, the detection sensor 280 a acquires information relating to theposition relative to the user U, and transmits these results to thestate detection device 955 of the driving unit D via the cable 900 andinput-output interface 958.

The state detection device 855 estimates the positional relationshipbetween the detection sensor 280 a and object from the informationobtained from the detection sensor 280 a, and sends the results to thecentral control device 954.

The central control device 954 judges whether or not the estimatedpositional relationship is such that the distance between the two partsis closer than a predetermined safe distance at which the detectionsensor 280 a and object do not contact each other, or are not too closeto each other. In cases where the central control device 954 judges thatcontact may be predicted, the central control device 954 sends a commandto the supporting arm control device 959 so that the image output part420 is moved.

On the basis of this command, the supporting arm control device 959sends a control signal to the supporting arm actuator 490, and thuscontrols the supporting arm actuator 490.

On the basis of this control signal, the supporting arm actuator 490drives the display part supporting arm 420; as a result, the displaypart 200 is caused to move.

The operation of a head mounted display constituting one example of thepresent working configuration has been described above.

The following effects are obtained by means of the head mounted displayconstituting one example of the present working configuration. By usingthe present working configuration, it is possible to detect closeproximity or contact of a portion of the body of the user U (head orface) with the display part 100, and to automatically move the displaypart.

(Thirty-Eighth Working Configuration)

A head mounted display constituting a thirty-eighth workingconfiguration of the present invention will be described with referenceto FIGS. 54 through 56 and FIG. 58. As is shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, thehead mounted display of the present working configuration makes itpossible to vary the position of the display part 200 between a state inwhich this display part 200 is disposed in front of the face of theuser, and a state in which this display part 200 is retracted from infront of the face. In FIG. 55A, there are two states according to theposition of the display part 200, [i.e.,] a state in which the displaypart 200 protrudes from the mounting part 400 and is fixed in a positionin front of the eye (first state), and a state in which the display part200 is caused to approach the mounting part 400 and is retractedrearward from this position in front of the eye of the user (secondstate).

As is shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, the head mounted display has a displaypart 200 which has the function of outputting images to the user U, anaudio output part (holding part) 300 which has the functions of holdingthe head mounted display on the head and generating sound such as voice,music or effect sounds, and a mounting part 400 which contains thedisplay part and audio output part, and which is used to mount theseparts on the head of the user in a freely detachable manner.Furthermore, the head mounted display has a sensor 500 which is used togather information that is used when it is inferred that this headmounted display is in a state of non-use.

This head mounted display is mounted on the head H of the user U so thatthis display clamps the head H. Specifically, the head mounted displayis mounted on the head H as a result of the mounting part 400 clampingthe head H of the user U by means of the elastic force of this mountingpart itself in a state in which the audio output parts 300 contact theears of the user U. Furthermore, the head mounted display has a drivingunit D which outputs image output signals and audio output signals; thisdriving unit D is connected via the cable 900 to the various devicesmounted on the head. The driving unit D has a power supply, a circuitthat produces and outputs image signals, and a circuit that produces andoutputs audio signals. A plug 910 is disposed on the tip end of thecable 900, and is detachably connected to the connector of the drivingunit D. Accordingly, by mounting the head mounted display on the head H,the user U can view and listen to images and sound formed by the imageoutput signals and audio output signals supplied from the driving unitD, via the display part 200 or audio output part 300.

As is shown in FIG. 58, the driving unit D has an image signalprocessing device 951 which processes image output signals in order tosend these image output signals to the display part 200, an audio outputsignal processing device 952 which is used to send audio output signalsto the audio output part 300, a central control device 954 which managesthe driving unit as a whole, a state detection device 955 which receivesinformation relating to the displacement of specified parts of the headmounted display, a power supply control circuit 956 which is used tocontrol the on-off switching of the power supply, and a supporting armdriving control device 959 which controls the supporting arm actuator490. Furthermore, the driving unit D has an input-output interface 958that exchanges information signals with the respective means mounted onthe head. Moreover, this driving unit D has a main switch SW used toperform on-off switching of the power supply. Furthermore, a connectorCN is provided in order to connect the plug 910 of the cable 900 that isused to exchange signals with the head mounted display. Moreover, arechargeable battery 957 is provided as a power supply.

A storage device 953 that stores image information and audio informationthat constitute a base for the production of image output signals andaudio output signals is provided in the driving unit D. In addition tothese parts, a communication device for receiving image information andaudio information from outside can also be provided as needed.

As is shown in FIG. 56, the display part 200 has an electro-opticalconverter 210 constituting a two-dimensional display element which formsimages by converting image output signals that express these images intooptical signals, a lens system 221 constituting an ocular optical systemthat enlarges the formed images, an optical system 220 which has a lensbarrel 230 that accommodates this lens system 221, and a case 240 thataccommodates all of these parts.

The electro-optical converter 210 used in the present workingconfiguration can be constructed from a display element that formsimages of bit map images. Electro-optical converters 210 of this typecan be divided into two main categories: namely, devices having aconfiguration in which images are formed by varying the transmissivityor reflectivity for light from another light source, and devices havinga configuration in which the device itself emits light, and images areformed by varying the brightness of this emitted light. For instance,liquid crystal display elements in which liquid crystal cells whosetransmissivity or reflectivity can be varied are disposed in atwo-dimensional layout may be cited as an example of devices having theformer configuration. Furthermore, for instance, organic EL elements inwhich light-emitting elements that emit light themselves in accordancewith electrical signals are disposed in a two-dimensional layout may becited as an example of devices having the latter configuration. Devicesof either configuration may be used in the present invention.

Moreover, in the electro-optical converter 210, for example, a screencan be formed in the same manner as the display screen of an informationprocessing device. For instance, a menu window or the like can bedisplayed. Of course, moving images can also be displayed.

In the present working configuration, the optical system 220 has a lenssystem 221. The lens system 221 enlarges the images that are formed bythe electro-optical converter 210. In concrete terms, false images areformed. By focusing such false images on the retina of the naked eye ofthe user, it is possible to display images as though the user wereviewing these images over the entire visual field.

The lens barrel 230 has a lens accommodating part 231 that accommodatesthe lens system 221 described above, a converter accommodating part 232that accommodates the electro-optical converter 210, and a lightblocking part 233 that maintains the distance from the electro-opticalconverter 210 at a fixed distance, and that blocks external light sothat such light is prevented from entering. The lens barrel 230 isformed from a light blocking material.

The case 240 is formed from a cover plate 241 as shown in FIG. 56. Forexample, the cover plate 241 is formed from a light-blocking plastic. Anopening part 242 is formed in the surface of the cover plate 241 thatfaces the user U. The lens system 221 is accommodated inside thisopening part 242. Furthermore, one end of the case 240 constitutes alinking part 243.

The audio output part 300 converts audio output signals into sound. Inthe present working configuration, a left audio output part 300L and aright audio output part 300R are provided. As is shown in FIG. 55, eachaudio output part 300 has an audio converter 310 that convertselectrical signals into sound, a case 330 that accommodates thisconverter, and an ear pad 320 which is disposed on the surface of thecase 330 that faces the user U, and which contacts the ear of the user.

Ordinarily, parts that have been formed into commercial products asheadphones can be used as the audio output parts 300. Furthermore, inthe present working configuration, the audio output parts 300 alsofunction (in terms of structure) as contact parts that contact the earswhen this head mounted display is mounted on the head H of the user Utogether with the mounting part 400 (described later).

Audio output parts of this type include closed type, open type andsemi-closed type parts. Any of these types may be used in the presentinvention. In the present working configuration, a close type case 330is used. The audio converter 310 is disposed inside this case 330.

Furthermore, in the present working configuration, a connection partthat links the cable 900 and internal wiring is disposed on the side ofthe audio output part 300L.

As will be described later, the audio output parts 300L and 300R aredriven by the mounting part 400 in a direction that causes these audiooutput parts to approach each other. Accordingly, the ear pads 320 aremounted in order to relieve the pressing against the ears by themounting part 400, and in order to improve the tight adhesion to theears.

As is shown in FIG. 55A, the mounting part 400 has a band 410 that linksthe left and right audio output parts 300L and 300R, and a display partsupporting arm 420 that is disposed on one end of this band 410.

The band 410 has a bent shape in order to allow clamping of the head Hof the user U from the rear. Furthermore, the band 410 is constructedfrom a main body 411, a display part supporting arm accommodating part412 that accommodates the display part supporting arm (supporting part,display arm) 420 so that this arm can freely protrude and retract, and asupporting arm actuator 490 that drives the display part supporting arm420.

Moreover, as is shown in the cut-out part of the right audio output part300R in FIG. 55A, the band 410 and audio output parts 300 are linked bya ball joint mechanism. As a result of this mechanism, the audio outputparts 300 are free to pivot within a specified angular range. Todescribe this in greater detail, spherical ball head parts 480 aredisposed on both ends of the band 410. Hollow cavity parts 340 thatenvelop these ball head parts 480 are formed in the audio output parts300. The ball head parts 480 are fitted into the hollow cavity parts340. A fixed gap is formed between the ball head parts 480 and thehollow cavity parts 340, so that the audio output parts 300 can pivot ina specified range about the ball head parts 480.

In addition, wiring (not shown in the figures) that is connected to thecable 900 from the driving unit D is disposed in the band 410. Some ofthis wiring communicates with the display part 200, while other portionsof the wiring communicate with the left and right audio output parts300L and 300R. Furthermore, there is also wiring that communicates withthe supporting arm actuator 490 and sensor 500 described later. Thewiring that communicates with the display part 200 is connected to thewiring that is disposed inside the display part supporting arm 420.

Furthermore, although this is not shown in the figures, it goes withoutsaying that wiring between the audio output parts 300 and band 410 isperformed in a state that does not interfere with the pivoting of theaudio output parts 300.

In the present working configuration, an opening part 412 b is formedadjacent to the audio output part 300L in the display part supportingarm accommodating part 412. The display part supporting arm 320 canprotrude and retract via this opening part 412 b.

Furthermore, as is shown in FIGS. 55A and 55B, the supporting armactuator 490 is disposed in the display part supporting armaccommodating part 412.

FIG. 55B is a sectional view along section A-A′ of the supporting armactuator 490 (described later) that makes the position of the displaypart 200 variable. As is shown in FIG. 55B, the supporting arm actuator490 has a motor 491, a motor shaft 492, and a roller 493 that isdisposed on the motor shaft 492, and that rotates simultaneously andcoaxially with the motor shaft 492. The side surface of the roller 493contacts one side surface of the display part supporting arm 420 with asufficient frictional force. Consequently, in accordance with therotation of the roller 493, the display part supporting arm 420 movesthrough the display part supporting arm accommodating part 412, and canprotrude or retract via the opening part 412 b.

Moreover, the supporting arm actuator 490 is controlled by a supportingarm driving control device 959 disposed in the driving unit D. A motor(e.g., a pulse motor) that can realize an angular speed in accordancewith commands from the driving control device 959 may also be used asthe supporting arm actuator 490.

Furthermore, a stopper (not shown in the figures) is disposed in theopening part 412 b. As a result, the display part supporting arm 420does not fall out when this arm is pulled out; furthermore, contactbetween the side surface of the roller 493 and one side surface of thedisplay part supporting arm 420 can be constantly maintained.

In order to allow smooth protrusion and retraction of the display partsupporting arm 420, guide rails (not shown in the figures) are disposedon the display part supporting arm accommodating part 412. As a result,the display part supporting arm 420 can be caused to slide in a smoothmanner.

Thus, the protrusion and retraction operation, which is performed by thedriving force of the motor 491 in order to place the display partsupporting arm 420 ² in a use state, and in order to retract this armfollowing the completion of use, is facilitated. ²Translator's note: theoriginal text actually reads “display part indicating arm 420,” but thisobvious error is ignored in our translation because it is clearly causedby word processing error of the terms “indicating” and “supporting,”which are homophonous in Japanese.

A sensor 500 that detects the presence or absence of the display partsupporting arm 420 is attached to the bottom part 412 a of the displaypart supporting arm accommodating part 412.

The sensor 500 gathers information that is used to recognize that thishead mounted display is in a non-use state. Incidentally, directdetection that the head mounted display is in a non-use state is noteasy. Accordingly, in the present invention, note is taken of specifiedchanges in the head mounted display that are caused by specifiedoperations of the user. Specifically, among changes that occur withrespect to the head mounted display, those changes which are such thatit appears that there is a high probability that the head mounteddisplay has shifted to a non-use state when these changes occur are usedas information for recognizing that the head mounted display is in anon-use state.

In the present working configuration, note is taken of changes thatoccur in the members of the head mounted display that are mounted on thehead. Therefore, the occurrence of specified changes in the members ofthe head mounted display that are mounted on the head is detected by asensor. In concrete terms, note is taken of two types of changes in thepresent working configuration. The first change is the following change:namely, the display part supporting arm 420 is accommodated in thedisplay part supporting arm accommodating part 412 of the mounting part400. The second change is the following change: namely, the head mounteddisplay of the present working configuration is mounted on the head.

First, the first change is detected. For this purpose, a limit switch510 constituting a sensor is disposed in the bottom part 412 a of thedisplay part supporting arm accommodating part 412 as shown in FIG.55(A). For example, when the display part supporting arm 420 isaccommodated in the display part supporting arm accommodating part 412so that the end part 421 of the arm 420 contacts this limit switch 510,the limit switch detects this contact. Accordingly, the limit switch 510is set, for example, so that the limit switch 510 is switched off whenthe end part 421 of the arm 420 contacts this limit switch 510, and isswitched on when this end part 421 is not in contact with this limitswitch 510. As a result, in cases where the display part supporting arm320 is pulled out, the end part 421 of this arm 420 is not in contactwith the limit switch 510; consequently, the limit switch 510 isswitched on. Conversely, in cases where the arm 420 is in contact withthe limit switch 510, the limit switch 510 is switched off.

In the present working configuration, in cases where the display partsupporting arm 420 is completely accommodated in the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 412, the limit switch 510 is switchedoff.

Furthermore, even an intermediate state in which the display partsupporting arm 420 is not completely accommodated in the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 312, it can be judged to be a state inwhich the head mounted display is not in use. In this case, the positionin which the sensor 500 is installed is a different position. Forexample, disposition in an intermediate position of the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 412 or in the area of the opening partis conceivable.

Next, the shape change of the head mounted display of the presentworking configuration being mounted on the head, which is the secondshape variation, is detected. As is shown in FIG. 55A, a pressure sensor520 is present as a sensor. The position in which this sensor isinstalled is a position on the wall surface of the hollow cavity part340 of the audio output part 300 a facing the ball head part 480. Thepressure sensor 520 outputs an “on” signal when a constant pressure isapplied. As a result, pressing applied between the band 410 and theaudio output parts 300 can be detected.

When the head mounted display is mounted, two forces oriented inmutually opposite directions act between the band 410 and audio outputparts 300. One of these forces is a force which is generated by thedriving force of the band, and which is oriented in a direction thatcauses the two audio output parts 300R and 300L to approach each other.The other force is a force which is generated by the two ears of theuser, and which is oriented in a direction that tends to increase thedistance between the two audio output parts 300R and 300L. Pressing isapplied between the band 410 and audio output parts 300 by these twoforces oriented in mutually opposite directions. This pressing isdetected by the pressure sensor, so that the mounted state is detected.

On the other hand, when the head mounted display is not mounted, theforce oriented in a direction that tends to increase the distancebetween the audio output parts 300R and 300L does not act. Accordingly,the pressure between the band 410 and audio output parts 300 drops. Thispressure drop is detected by the pressure sensor 520, and it is thusdetected that the device has assumed a non-mounted state.

Furthermore, instead of the pressure sensor 520 that is installed on oneof the audio output parts 300, it would also be possible to mount, onthe audio output parts 300L and 300R, detectors that comprise at leasttwo electrodes, and that detect the mounting of the head mounted displayon the head from changes in the dielectric constant between these twoelectrodes.

Next, the operation of the head mounted display constructed as describedabove when the user U utilizes this head mounted display will bedescribed.

For example, the operation (mode 1) of the head mounted display in acase where the user U mounts the head mounted display in a non-use state(second state) on the head, and then switches on the main switch SW,will be described.

First, immediately after the main switch SW is switched on, the sensor500 (which is a limit switch) detects that the end part 421 of thedisplay part supporting arm 420 is in the vicinity of the bottom part412 a. Then, a limit switch “off” signal is transmitted to the statedetection device 955 provided in the driving unit D via the cable 900and input-output interface 958. Similarly, the pressure switch 520provided on the audio output part 300 transmits its measurement value tothe state detection device 955. On the basis of the signals transmittedfrom the sensor 500 and pressure switch 520, the state detection device955 detects that the head mounted display is mounted on the head in anon-use state (second state). Receiving these detection results, thecentral control device 954 issues a command to drive the supporting armactuator 490 to the supporting arm driving control device 959. Thesupporting arm driving control device 959 sends a signal that controlsthe supporting arm actuator 490 to the supporting arm actuator 490. Themotor 491 is started by the control signal from the supporting armdriving control device 959, and the roller 493 is caused to rotate atthe same angular speed by the rotation of the motor shaft 492. The sidesurface of the roller 493 and the side surface of the display partsupporting arm 420 contact each other with a sufficient frictional forceso that there is no slipping between these surfaces. Accordingly, thedisplay part supporting arm 420 is pulled out from the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 412 by the rotation of the roller 493.Specifically, the positional relationship between the display part 200and the audio output parts 300 is controlled.

As a result, the head mounted display of the present workingconfiguration shifts from the second state in which the display partsupporting arm 420 is stored in the display part supporting armaccommodating part 412 to the first state in which the display partsupporting arm 420 is pulled out from the display part supporting armaccommodating part 412.

The operation of a head mounted display constituting one workingconfiguration of the present invention was described above. Thefollowing effects are obtained using the head mounted display to whichthis working configuration is applied.

In the head mounted display of the present invention, a sensor 500detects the state of the image display part 1, and detects whether ornot the head mounted display is mounted on the head. The state of theimage display part 1 can be varied by the driving force of the motor 391in accordance with this mounted state. Accordingly, the user can placethe image display part 1 in the optimal state in accordance with theconditions, without performing any special operation.

One working configuration has been described above.

(Thirty-Ninth Working Configuration)

Next, a thirty-ninth working configuration will be described withreference to FIGS. 59 through 62.

The present working configuration has a structure that differs from thatof the thirty-eighth working configuration in that the audio output part300R is retracted from the mounting part 400 using a hinge part when notin use. The remaining structure is the same as in the thirty-eighthworking configuration. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundantdescription, the description here will focus on points of differencefrom the thirty-eighth working configuration. FIG. 59 is a plan viewshowing the shape and construction of the head mounted display of thepresent working configuration when mounted and when not mounted. FIG.60(A) is an external perspective view showing the shape of the devicewhen not mounted. FIG. 60(B) is an external perspective view showing theshape of the head mounted display of the present working configurationwhen this head mounted display is mounted on the head. Furthermore, thecable 900 and driving unit D are not shown in the present workingconfiguration.

As is shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, the head mounted display of the presentworking configuration has a display part 200, audio output parts 300 anda mounting part 400.

As is shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, the mounting part 400 comprises aplurality of fastening members. Specifically, the mounting part 400 hasa band 410 and an audio output part supporting arm 430 that link theleft and right audio output parts 300L and 300R, and a display partsupporting arm 420. The display part supporting arm 420 is linked andfastened to a supporting arm supporting part 440 on one end of the band410. Furthermore, as in the thirty-eighth working configuration, a limitswitch is provided on the bottom part 412 a of the display partsupporting arm accommodating part 412.

The band 410 and audio output part supporting arm 420 have a bent shapeso that the head H of the user U can be clamped from the rear.

Furthermore, a pivoting part 450 constituting a rotating member isdisposed on one end of the band 410, i.e., toward the audio output part400R in the present working configuration. The band 410 and the audiooutput part supporting arm 430 are linked in a pivotable manner by thispivoting part 450.

As is shown in FIG. 61, a driving member 460 is disposed on a hinge part470 constructed from one end of the band 410, one end of the audiooutput part supporting arm 430 and the pivoting part 450. This drivingmember 460 is disposed in a state in which a force acts to maintain themounting part 400 in a folded state as shown in FIGS. 59 and 60 when thehead mounted display is not mounted. As a result, in the mounted state,the hinge part 470 assumes an open state against the driving force ofthe driving member 460. In the non-mounted state, the hinge part 470 iscaused to assume a folded state by the driving force of the drivingmember 460.

Furthermore, although this is not shown in the figures, it goes withoutsaying that wiring is performed between the audio output part supportingarm 430 and band 410 in a state that does not hinder pivoting.

In the present working configuration, sensors 500 are disposed in twolocations. The first disposition position of the sensors 500 is thebottom part 412 a of the display part supporting arm accommodating part412. By disposing a sensor 500 in this position, it is possible toobtain information that allows recognition of the state (second state orfirst state) of the display part supporting arm 420 in the same manneras in the thirty-eighth working configuration. If a limit switch 510 isused as the sensor 500 in this position, this limit switch 510 can beswitched from “off” to “on” in a state in which the end part 421 of thesupporting arm 420 is in contact with the bottom part 412 a.Accordingly, in cases where the end part 421 of the image output partsupporting arm 420 contacts the limit switch 510, it is recognized thatthe image output part supporting arm 420 is accommodated. As a result,the central control device 954 provided in the driving unit D can morereliably judge whether the head mounted display is in a use state ornon-use state on the basis of the signal from the limit switch 510.

Furthermore, the second disposition position of the sensors 500 is thehinge part 470; as is shown in FIG. 62, this is a position where thehinge part (when open, see FIG. 62(A)) contacts the side part 432 on oneend of the audio output part supporting arm 430. The sensor 500 isdisposed in this position, and is set, for example, so that this sensor500 outputs an “on” signal when the side part 432 on one end of theaudio output part supporting arm contacts the sensor (FIG. 62(A)), andoutputs an “off” signal when this side part is removed from the sensor.As a result, information that allows the recognition of a non-mountedstate can be obtained utilizing this detection by the sensor 500.

A switch, contact sensor, pressure sensor, or the like can also be usedas the sensor 500 in cases where this sensor 500 is disposed in theposition shown in FIG. 62. Preferably, a pressure sensor is used. If apressure sensor is used, then this sensor can be switched from “off” to“on” when a fixed pressure is applied to the sensor 500 during mounting.Accordingly, since the power supply is not switched on in cases wherethe side part 432 of the audio output part supporting arm 430 simplycontacts the sensor 500, erroneous operation can be prevented. As aresult, a judgment can be made more reliably as to whether or not thehead mounted display is mounted and being used by the user.

Next, the operation of the head mounted display in cases where the userU utilizes the head mounted display of the thirty-ninth workingconfiguration will be described.

For example, the operation of the head mounted display (mode 1) in acase where the user U mounts the head mounted display in a non-use state(second state) on the head, and subsequently switches on the main switchSW, will be described.

A difference in construction between the thirty-eighth workingconfiguration and the present working configuration is found only in theportions of the mechanism that detects the mounting of the head mounteddisplay on the head. Accordingly, the difference in operation betweenthe two working configurations is also only a difference in theoperation used to detect the mounting of the head mounted display; theremaining operations are common to both working configurations. In orderto avoid any redundant description, the following description willcenter on the operation that detects the mounting of the head mounteddisplay in the thirty-ninth working configuration on the head.

First, in the initial state, as in the thirty-eighth workingconfiguration, the state detection device 955 detects that the imageoutput part supporting arm 420 is accommodated in the supporting armaccommodating part 412 based on the signal from the limit switch 510.

Meanwhile, the state detection device 955 detects that the sensor 500and side part 432 are in contact at a sufficient pressure based on themeasurement signal from the sensor 500 disposed on the hinge part 470.

From these two sets of detection results, the state detection device 955judges that the user U has mounted the head mounted display (in anon-use state (second state)) on the head. The subsequent operation offeeding out the image output part supporting arm 420 is the same as inthe thirty-eighth working configuration.

Next, the effects of the thirty-ninth working configuration will bedescribed. In the present working configuration, the structure of theaudio output part 300 is made lighter and simpler by changing thepressure sensor of the thirty-eighth working configuration in the audiooutput part 300 to the pressure sensor 500 in the hinge part 470. As aresult, the present working configuration is advantageous in that thisworking configuration can be produced inexpensively. Furthermore, in thepresent working configuration, since the head mounted display isconstructed with a folding structure using the audio output partsupporting arm 430 and hinge part 470, it is expected that theportability of the device as a whole will be improved.

(Fortieth Working Configuration)

Next, a fortieth working configuration of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 63 and 64.

The present working configuration has a structure which differs fromthat of the thirty-eighth working configuration in that a bending sensoris used as the mounting detection means. The remaining structures arethe same as in the thirty-eighth working configuration. Accordingly, inorder to avoid any redundant description, the description here willcenter on points that differ from the thirty-eighth workingconfiguration. Furthermore, in the present working configuration, thecable 900 and driving unit D are not shown in the figures.

As is shown in FIG. 63, the head mounted display of the present workingconfiguration has a display part 200, audio output parts 300, and amounting part 400.

As is also shown in FIG. 63, the mounting part 400 has a band 410 thatlinks the left and right audio output parts 300L and 200R and a displaypart supporting arm 420 that is disposed on one end of the band 410. Themounting part 400 also has a supporting arm actuator 490 that drives thedisplay part supporting arm 320. The display part supporting arm 420 islinked and fastened to a supporting arm support part on one end of theband 410. The band 410 has a bent shape so that the head H of the user Ucan be clamped from the rear. Furthermore, audio output parts 300L and300R are linked and fastened to both ends of the band 410.

A bending sensor 540 is embedded in the vicinity of the central portionof the band 410. The bending sensor 440 bends in linkage with thebending of the band 410. The bending sensor 540 detects the degree ofbending of the band 410, and outputs an “on” signal in cases where thisbending exceeds a certain degree of bending.

As is shown in FIG. 64, the degree of bending of the band 410 is smallin cases where the head mounted display is mounted on the head (FIG.64A), and is large in cases where the head mounted display is notmounted on the head (FIG. 64B). Specifically, as a result of thisbending sensor 540 being disposed on the band 410, the degree of bendingof the band 410 is detected, and a judgment as to whether or not thehead mounted display is mounted is made in accordance with the detectionresults.

A sensor that can be used as the bending sensor 540 is any sensor aslong as this sensor can be disposed on the band 410, and can distinguishthe degree of bending of the band 410 when the head mounted display ismounted and when the head mounted display is not mounted. For example, apublicly known bending sensor such as a sensor that utilizes a metalresistor and detects bending by outputting the variation in resistancein accordance with the degree of strain can be used.

Next, the operation of the head mounted display that takes place whenthe user U utilizes the fortieth working configuration constructed asdescribed above will be described.

For example, the operation of the head mounted display (mode 1) in acase where the user U mounts the head mounted display on the head in anon-use state (second state), and subsequently switches on the mainswitch SW, will be described.

The difference in construction between the thirty-eighth workingconfiguration and the present working configuration is found only in theportion of the mechanism that detects the mounting of the head mounteddisplay on the head. Accordingly, the difference in operation betweenthe two working configurations is likewise only the difference in theoperation that detects the mounting of the head mounted display; theremaining operation is common to both working configurations. In orderto avoid any redundant description, the following description willcenter on the operation that detects the mounting of the head mounteddisplay on the head in the fortieth working configuration.

First, in the initial state, as in the thirty-eighth workingconfiguration, the state detection device 955 detects that the imageoutput part supporting arm 420 is accommodated in the supporting armaccommodating part 412 based on a signal from the limit switch 410.

Meanwhile, the state detection device 955 detects that the degree ofbending of the band 410 in which the bending sensor 540 is mounted isreduced based on the measurement signal from this bending sensor 540that is provided in the band 410.

From these two sets of detection results, the state detection device 955judges that the user U has mounted the head mounted display in a non-usestate (second state) on the head. The subsequent operation of feedingout the image output part supporting arm 420 is the same as in thethirty-eighth working configuration.

Next, the effects of the fortieth working configuration will bedescribed. In the head mounted display of the present workingconfiguration, a head mounted display is provided in which the mountedstate or non-mounted state can be detected reliably by means of a simplestructure.

Above, mode 1 in the thirty-eighth through fortieth workingconfigurations was described.

Furthermore, in addition to mode 1 described above, modes 2 through 10indicated below are possible in accordance with the conditions involved.Moreover, an even larger number of modes can be realized byappropriately combining these various modes.

Mode 2: the head mounted display of the present working configurationneed not make a transition to the use state (first state: state in whichthe display part supporting arm 420 is fed out) when the power supply isswitched on in the non-use state (second state: state in which thedisplay part supporting arm 420 is accommodated) in cases where the headmounted display is not mounted on the head.

Mode 3: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay make a transition to the first state when the power supply isswitched on in the non-use state (second state) in cases where the headmounted display is not mounted on the head.

Mode 4: in the head mounted display of the present workingconfiguration, a selection may be made as to whether or not the headmounted display makes a transition to the first state when the powersupply is switched on in the non-use state (second state) in cases wherethe head mounted display is not mounted on the head.

Mode 5: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay make a transition to the second state when the power supply isswitched on in the use state (first state) in cases where the headmounted display is not mounted on the head.

Mode 6: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay remain in the first state when the power supply is switched on inthe use state (first state) in cases where the head mounted display isnot mounted on the head.

Mode 7: in the head mounted display of the present workingconfiguration, a selection may be made as to whether or not the headmounted display makes a transition to the second state when the powersupply is switched on in the use state (first state) in cases where thehead mounted display is not mounted on the head.

Mode 8: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay perform an operation such as the following when the power supply iscut off in the use state (first state) in cases where the head mounteddisplay is mounted on the head. Namely, after the main switch isswitched off, a voice message may be issued from the audio output parts300, or an image message may be issued to the user U from the videooutput part 1; then, the display part supporting arm 420 may be returnedto the non-use state (second state), after which the power supply may becut off following a delay.

Mode 9: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay perform an operation such as the following when the main switch isswitched off in the use state (first state) in cases where the headmounted display is not mounted on the head. Namely, after the mainswitch is switched off, the display part supporting arm 420 may bereturned to the non-use state (second state), after which the powersupply may be cut off following a delay.

Mode 10: the head mounted display of the present working configurationmay be devised so that the head mounted display makes a transition tothe use state (first state) when the head mounted display is mounted onthe head in the non-use state (second state) with the power supplyswitched on.

The respective modes above have the following effects: In mode 2, theunintentional jumping out of the display part supporting arm 420 can beprevented, so that the encountering of accidental situations can beprevented. In mode 3, the display part supporting arm 420 protrudes;accordingly, the fact that the head mounted display has been driven canbe ascertained in a simple manner. In mode 4 and mode 7, the device canbe set according to the preferences of the user; accordingly, a headmounted display that is suited to the environment in which the user usesthis display can be provided.

In mode 5, the non-mounted state of the head mounted display is the sameas the non-use state; accordingly, transport and the like of the headmounted display in a non-use state is facilitated. Furthermore, sincethe display part supporting arm 420 is accommodated, the fact that thehead mounted display has been driven can be ascertained in a simplemanner. In mode 6, if the head mounted display is mounted immediately,the trouble of an operation that causes the display part supporting arm420 to protrude can be omitted, so that unneeded operations can bereduced.

In mode 8, the user can be clearly informed that the power supply hasbeen cut off while the head mounted display is mounted, and the powersupply is cut off with advance notification; accordingly, even in caseswhere the user unintentionally cuts off the power supply as a result ofan erroneous operation, it is clear that there is no failure.

In mode 9, since the power supply is stopped after the display partsupporting arm 420 is accommodated following an instruction to stop thepower supply, a state that allows easy transport or the like isobtained, so that the convenience of the head mounted display isenhanced. In mode 10, since a state that allows use is obtained as soonas the power supply is driven, the convenience of the head mounteddisplay is improved.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the workingconfigurations described above; various modifications are possiblewithin the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the thirty-eighth through fortieth workingconfigurations described above, a modified example is conceivable inwhich the position or state of the image display part 1 can be varied inaccordance with the amount of remaining battery power. This modifiedexample has remaining battery power detection means that detects theamount of remaining battery power by measuring the voltage or the likeof the battery disposed in the driving unit D via the cable 900. In thisoperation, first of all, the head mounted display of this modifiedexample issues a voice or image message relating to the amount ofremaining battery power to the user U via the display part 110 or audiooutput parts 300 in cases where the head mounted display is mounted onthe head, and it is detected that the amount of remaining battery powerhas dropped below a predetermined value. Next, if the state of the headmounted display is the first state (use state), this state of the headmounted display is changed to the second state (non-use state), and thepower supply is cut off.

Furthermore, in cases where [i] it is detected that the amount ofremaining battery power has dropped below a predetermined value, [ii]the head mounted display is not mounted on the head, and [iii] the headmounted display is in the first state (use state), the head mounteddisplay of this modified example makes a transition to the second state,after which the power supply is immediately cut off.

(Forty-First Working Configuration)

FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the video displaypart of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-first workingconfiguration of the present invention. The video display part (displaypart) 1030 of this head mounted display device is disposed in front ofthe eye E of the user M.

The video display part (display part) 1030 comprises a display devicepart 1031, an optical lens part 1032, and an outer packaging part 1033.The outer packaging part 1033 accommodates the display device part 1031and optical lens part 1032. The outer packaging part 1033 is integrallyformed on one end of the display arm 1020 (see FIG. 70).

The optical lens part 1032 constitutes an ocular optical system. Theoptical lens part 1032 comprises two lenses 1032 a and 1032 b and aholding frame 1032 c. The holding frame 1032 c is fastened to the outerpackaging part 1033.

The display device part 1031 comprises a liquid crystal panel 1031 a anda holding frame 1031 b that holds this liquid crystal panel 1031 a. Theholding frame 1031 b is supported on the holding frame 1032 c so thatthis holding frame 1031 b can move in the direction of the optical axis.

In this head mounted display device, the video image that is output tothe liquid crystal panel 1031 a of the display device part 1031 isformed via the lenses 1032 a and 1032 b as a false image at a distancethat allows clear viewing by the user M, so that this false image can beseen by the user M.

Since the visual acuity of the user M varies from individual toindividual, the system is devised so that the display device part 1031is moved in the direction of the optical axis with respect to theoptical lens part 1032 by operating an operating mechanism (not shown inthe figure) from the outside, thus causing a false image to be formed ina position that is suited to the individual user.

In this working configuration, an image can be formed in a position thatis suited to the individual user.

(Forty-Second Working Configuration)

FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the video displaypart of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-secondworking configuration of the present invention. Parts that are common tothis working configuration and the forty-first working configuration arelabeled with the same symbols, and a description of such parts isomitted.

The video display part (display means) 1130 of this head mounted displaydevice is disposed in front of the eye E of the user M.

The video display part (display means) 1130 comprises a display devicepart 1131, an optical lens part 1132, and an outer packaging part 1133.

The outer packaging part 1133 has a first outer packaging part 1131A anda second outer packaging part 1132A. The second outer packaging part1132A is integrally formed on one end of the display arm 1020 (see FIG.70).

The optical lens part 1132 constitutes an ocular optical system. Theoptical lens part 1132 is constructed from two lenses 1132 a and 1132 b.The lenses 1132 a and 1132 b are held in the second outer packaging part1132A.

The display device part 131 is constructed from a liquid crystal panel1131 a. This liquid crystal panel 1131 a is held in the first outerpackaging part 1131A. The first outer packaging part 1131A is supportedon the second outer packaging part 1132A so that this first outerpackaging part 1131A can move in the direction of the optical axis.

In this head mounted display device, the video image that is output tothe liquid crystal panel 1131 a of the display device part 1131 isformed via the lenses 1132 a and 1132 b as a false image at a distancethat allows clear viewing by the user M, so that this false image can beseen by the user M.

In this case, the first outer packaging part 1131A (display device part1131) is moved in the direction of the optical axis with respect to thesecond outer packaging part 1132A (optical lens part 1132) by operatingan operating mechanism (not shown in the figure), so that a false imageis formed in a position that is suited to the individual user.

In this forty-second working configuration, effects similar to those ofthe forty-first working configuration are manifested; furthermore, sincethe outer packaging part 1033 shown in FIG. 65 is omitted, the size ofthe video display part 1130 can be reduced.

Moreover, if the first outer packaging part 1131A and second outerpackaging part 1132A are moved in a direction that causes the displaydevice part 1131 and optical lens part 1132 to approach each other, thesize of the video display part 1130 can be reduced even further. Inparticular, if the size of the video display part 1130 is thus reducedwhen the video images are not being viewed, then this video display partwill not create an obstruction.

(Forty-Third Working Configuration)

FIG. 67( a) is a schematic diagram showing a section of the videodisplay part of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-thirdworking configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 67( b) is asectional view along line b-b in FIG. 67( a).

The video display part 1230 comprises two outer packaging parts 1231Aand 1232A.

Cylindrical projections 1233 are formed on the left and right sidesurfaces of the second outer packaging part 1232A, which is integrallyformed on one end of the display arm 1020 (see FIG. 70).

Rectilinear cam grooves 1234 that engage with the projections 1233 areformed so that these cam grooves cross the optical axis in the insidesurface of the first outer packaging part 1231A, which is supported onthe outside surface of the second outer packaging part 1232A.

Moreover, a rack 1235 is formed on one end surface (on the left side inFIG. 67( b)) of the second outer packaging part 1232A. A pinion 236which is disposed on the first outer packaging part 1231A engages withthis rack 1235.

The shaft (not shown in the figures) of the pinion 1236 protrudes fromthe first outer packaging part 1231A. A knob (operating part) 1237 isattached to this shaft. Furthermore, a roulette pattern is formed on theknob 1237 in order to prevent slipping.

In addition, the position of the knob 1237 is not limited to theposition shown by the solid line; this position may be the positionindicated by the two-dot chain line (side surface on the opposite side),or may be a position on the undersurface of the second outer packagingpart 1232A.

An operating mechanism is constructed from the projections 1233, camgrooves 1234, rack 1235, pinion 1236 and knob 1237.

Next, the operation of this operating mechanism will be described.

When the knob 1237 is operated, the rack 1235 engaged with the pinion1236 moves upward or downward in accordance with the rotation of theknob 1237. Accordingly, the cam grooves 1234 also move upward ordownward, so that the first outer packaging part 1231A moves in thedirection of the optical axis.

Consequently, the display device part 131 can be moved in the directionof the optical axis along the optical lens part 132 by operating theknob 237.

Effects similar to those of the forty-first working configuration can beexhibited using this forty-third working configuration.

(Forty-Fourth Working Configuration)

FIG. 68 is a block diagram showing the construction of the video displaypart of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-fourthworking configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 69 is a view ofthe slide switch as seen from the front.

The video display part 1330 comprises a display device part 1331, anoptical lens part 332, an outer packaging part 1333, an up-downdetection sensor (detection sensor) 350, a slide switch (operating part)1351, a connector 1352, a control part 1354, and a driving member 1355that varies the gap between the display device part 1331 and the opticallens part 1332 by means of an electrical force.

Furthermore, the driving part 1355 comprises an actuator or the likewhich drives a mechanism that varies the gap between the display devicepart 1331 and optical lens part 1332 by means of a motor or the like(not shown in the figures) as in the first working configuration orsecond working configuration, and the gap between the display devicepart 1331 and optical lens part 1332 is varied in accordance withsignals that are output from the control part 1354.

Moreover, the control part 1354 detects the switching state of the slideswitch 1351, and causes this state to be reflected in the control of thedriving part 1355.

The slide switch 1351 is disposed on the back surface of the outerpackaging part 1333, and causes the display device part 1331 to move inthe direction of the optical axis. In FIG. 69, for example, + indicatesthe direction that causes the display device part 1331 to move away fromthe optical lens part 1352, and − indicates the direction that causesthe display device part 1331 to approach the optical lens part 1352.

The display device part 1331 and connector 1352 are electricallyconnected via a signal line 1353, and video signals, for example from aVCR (not shown in the figures), are sent to the display device part 1331via the connector 1352. Furthermore, the signal line 1353 has asufficient length to handle the movement of the display device part1331.

The up-down detection sensor 1350 is fastened, for example, to theoptical lens part 1332. As a result of being fastened to the outerpackaging part 1333, the up-down detection sensor 1350 detects theup-down orientation of the display device part 1331, and outputs thedetection results to the control part 1354. The control part functionsas operating part switching means, and also causes the polarity of theslide switch 1351 to be reversed when it is detected on the basis of theoutput of the up-down detection sensor 1350 that the up-downrelationship of the outer packaging part 1333 has been inverted.

Specifically, if the user causes the slide switch 351 to move in thesame direction as that prior to the inversion of up and down even if theup-down relationship of the outer packaging part 1333 is inverted, then,even in cases where the slide switch with up and down inverted isoperated with the same feel, the display device part 1331 will move inthe same direction as that prior to the inversion of the up-downorientation of the outer packaging part 1333 (see FIG. 67).

In this forty-fourth working configuration, effects similar to those ofthe forty-first working configuration are manifested; furthermore, evenin cases where the head mounted display device is mounted with itsup-down orientation inverted, the operating direction of the slideswitch 1351 is the same, so that the operability is improved.

(Forty-Fifth Working Configuration)

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing a case in which the video displaypart of a head mounted display device constituting a forty-fifth workingconfiguration of the present invention has been pulled out to the useposition.

This working configuration is a head mounted display device having aconfiguration in which adjustment of the focus is performed withoutperforming a manual operation. Here, a description will be given using adisplay device part 330 (see FIG. 68) having the construction shown inFIG. 68 as the display device part.

This head mounted display device comprises a rear arm 1100, a displayarm 1020, a video display part 1330, and an accommodating part 1040.

The rear arm 1010 has a circular arc shape. The rear arm 1010 is mountedon the back part of the head of the user M, and both end parts of thisrear arm are pressed against the side parts of the head of the user Mwith an appropriate force.

Speaker parts 1015 and 1016 that are mounted on the left and right earsof the user M are attached to either end part of the rear arm 1010.

The display arm 1020 is supported on one end of the rear arm 1010. Likethe rear arm 1010, the display arm 1020 has a circular arc shape.

The video display part 1330 is supported on one end of the display arm1020, and is disposed in front of the eye of the user M.

The accommodating part 1040 is disposed on the rear arm 1010, andaccommodates the display arm 1020. Switches (operating parts) 1041 and1042 that are used to cause the display device part 1331 (see FIG. 68)to move in the direction of the optical axis are disposed on the sidesurface of the rear arm 1010.

For example, the switch 1041 causes the display device part 1331 to movein such a direction that the display device part 1331 is separated fromthe optical lens part 1332. Furthermore, for example, the switch 1042causes the display device part 1331 to move in such a direction that thedisplay device part 1331 approaches the optical lens part 1332.

The switches 1041 and 1042 are connected to a control part (not shown inthe figures), and when the switches 1041 and 1042 are pressed, thecontrol part drives a driving circuit (not shown in the figures) so thatthe display device part 1331 is caused to move.

The driving circuit is constructed, for example, from a motor disposedin the video display part 1330, and a motor driver which is disposed inthe accommodating part 1040, and which controls the current that issupplied to the motor by means of a control part.

Furthermore, since the visual acuity of the user M varies fromindividual to individual, and since the visual acuity also usuallydiffers between the left and right eyes of the same user M, it wouldalso be possible to devise the system so that (for example) the positionwhere the focus is adjusted is stored in a memory (not shown in thefigures), and the display device part 1331 is caused to move to theposition stored in the memory when the switches 1041 and 1042 arepressed.

Moreover, it would also be possible to devise the system so that theposition of the display device part 331 is stored beforehand in thememory for respective users, and a visual acuity adjustment isautomatically performed in accordance with individual differencesbetween users by recognizing the user in each case.

In addition, in the head mounted display device of the present workingconfiguration, when video images are alternately viewed with the leftand right eyes, the head mounted display device is turned upside down;accordingly, detection means that detects such vertical inversion of thedisplay device part 1332 may be provided in this working configurationas well, and the system may be devised so that the display device part1331 is moved in accordance with signals from this detection means.

Furthermore, there may be cases in which viewing is easier when theposition to which the display device part 1331 is caused to move variesaccording to the distance between the video display part 330 and the eyeE. Accordingly, the system may also be devised so that (for example) adisplacement gauge (not shown in the figures) is disposed on the displayarm 1020, the distance between the video display part 1330 and the eye Eis monitored on the basis of the amount of displacement that is outputby this displacement gauge, and the display device part 1331 is causedto move in accordance with the distance between the video display part1330 and the eye E.

In this forty-fifth working configuration, effects similar to those ofthe forty-first working configuration can be exhibited; furthermore, thedisplay device part 1331 can be caused to move simply by pressing theswitches 1041 and 1042, so that the operability is improved.

(Forty-Six Working Configuration)

FIG. 71 is a schematic diagram showing how the portion of a head mounteddisplay constituting a forty-sixth working configuration of the presentinvention that is mounted on the head (i.e., the head mounted displaymain body part) is mounted on the head. The head mounted display mainbody part 1 is constructed from the following main parts: a mountingpart 15 which is mounted on the back part of the head, and whichpossesses elasticity so that the head is clamped, a supporting part 13which is fitted into the mounting part 15 so that this supporting part13 can emerge from and be retracted into the mounting part 15, a displaypart 11 which is attached to the tip end part of the supporting part 13,and which displays images, and left and right holding parts 19 which areattached to the mounting part 15. In the figure, the system is adjustedso that the display part 11 is positioned in front of the left eye (byadjusting the pull-out length of the supporting part 13); thus, the headmounted display is used on the left eye.

FIG. 72( a) is a plan view of this mounted state as seen from the top ofthe head.

A hollow part 15 a is formed in the mounting part 15, and the supportingpart 13 is fitted into this hollow part 15 a, so that the supportingpart 13 can move into and out of the hollow part 15 a in theforward-rearward direction (upward-downward direction in FIG. 72( a)).As is shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 71, a supporting part 13is also disposed on the right side (left side in FIG. 72( a)) of thehollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15. However, in cases where thedisplay part 11 is used on the left eye, this supporting part isretracted into the hollow part 2 a of the mounting part 15 as shown inFIG. 72( a), so that the visual field of the right eye is not blocked.

FIG. 72( b) is a sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 72( a). Couplingpins 6 are coupled with the tip end part of the supporting part 13.Meanwhile, coupling holes 11 a are formed in both the left and rightsides of the display part 11. In the figures, coupling pins 16 arefitted into the coupling holes 11 a on the right side (left side as seenfrom the face), so that the display part 111 and the supporting part 13on the left side as seen from the face are coupled.

A switch part 17 is disposed on the tip end part of the supporting part13, and is devised so that when the display part 11 is coupled, this canbe detected. A proximity switch may be used as the switch part 17, or alimit switch whose contact part protrudes from the tip end of thesupporting part 13 may be used. This switch part 17 determines whetherthe head mounted display is being used on the left eye or is being usedon the right eye; the image display can be controlled accordingly.

Furthermore, in the figures, 20 indicates a brake that restricts themovement of the supporting part 13. For example, a part such as anelectromagnetic brake is used as the brake 20. When positioning isperformed, the brake 20 is released so that the supporting part 13 canmove freely; then, after this positioning is completed, the brake 20 isapplied so that the movement of the supporting part is restricted.

When the display part 11 is to be used on the right eye, the displaypart 11 is removed from the supporting part 13 on the left side as seenfrom the face (in the state shown in FIG. 72), and the supporting part13 on the left side as seen from the face is retracted by being pushedinto the mounting part 15. Then, the supporting part 13 on the rightside as seen from the face is pulled out of the mounting part 15, andthe coupling holes 11 a of the display part 11 are engaged with thecoupling pins 16 on the tip end part of the supporting part 13, so thatthese parts are coupled.

Furthermore, in this working configuration, the coupling holes 11 a ofthe display part 11 are formed in the left and right sides of thedisplay part 11. Accordingly, the coupling holes 11 a on the left sideof the figure (right side as seen from the face) can be used in thiscase. However, in cases where coupling holes 11 a are formed only in oneside of the display part 11, the system is devised so that the parts arecoupled by turning the display part 11 upside down in a 180-degreerotation in the leftward or rightward direction.

In the present working configuration, both when the head mounted displaymain body part is used on the left eye and when this main body part isused on the right eye, there is nothing blocking the visual field of theeye on the opposite side; accordingly, there is no bothersome feeling.

(Forty-Seventh Working Configuration)

FIG. 73 is a schematic diagram (plan view) showing the mounted state ina case where the main body part of a head mounted display constituting aforty-seventh working configuration of the present invention is mountedon the head. The perspective view of the mounted state is the same asthat shown in FIG. 71.

In this working configuration, only a single supporting part 13 isinstalled. Accordingly, in order to change from a state in which thedevice is used on the left eye as shown in FIG. 73( a) to a state inwhich the device is used on the right eye as shown in FIG. 73( b), thesupporting part 13 is pulled out of the hollow part 15 a of the mountingpart 15, inverted by being rotated 180 degrees in the left-rightdirection, inserted into the hollow part 15 a on the right side of theface, and used. Here, in cases where coupling holes 4 a are formed inboth sides of the display part 11, the orientation of the image can bemaintained as the original orientation by reattaching only the displaypart 11 to the supporting part 13 without inverting this display part180 degrees.

In the present working configuration as well, there is nothing blockingthe visual field of the eye on the opposite side, either when the headmounted display main body is used on the left eye, or when this headmounted display main body is used on the right eye; accordingly, thereis no bothersome feeling.

Furthermore, when use is temporarily interrupted during use on the lefteye or use on the right eye, blocking of the visual field by the displaypart 11 can be prevented by pushing the supporting part 13 into thehollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15 as indicated by the arrow inthe figures.

(Forty-Eighth Working Configuration)

FIG. 74 is a schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a forty-eighthworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.The perspective view of the mounted state is substantially the same asthat shown in FIG. 71.

In this working configuration, one display part 11 each is provided foruse on the left eye and use on the right eye, and these display parts 11are attached to both end parts of the supporting part 13. The stateshown in FIG. 74( a) is a state in which the display part 11 for use onthe left eye is being used. If the supporting part 13 is moved from thisstate in the direction indicated by the arrow, then the state shown inFIG. 74( b) is produced, so that the display part 11 for use on theright eye can be used.

In the present working configuration as well, there is nothing blockingthe visual field of the eye on the opposite side, either when the headmounted display main body is used on the left eye, or when this headmounted display main body is used on the right eye; accordingly, thereis no bothersome feeling.

Furthermore, in the head mounted display main body part shown in FIG.74, the display parts 11 are respectively mounted on both sides of thesupporting part 13. However, it would also be possible, for example, tomake these display parts 11 removable from the supporting part 13 asshown in FIG. 72, and to attach one of these display parts 11 to theleft or right tip end part of the supporting part 13.

Moreover, in the working configuration shown in FIG. 74, if a mechanismis attached which detects that either the left or right side of thesupporting part 13 has jumped out of the mounting part 15 beyond aspecified distance, then it can be discriminated whether the headmounted display is being used on the left eye or being used on the righteye. Such a detector can easily be realized, for example, by using aproximity switch.

(Forty-Ninth Working Configuration)

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a forty-ninthworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.FIG. 36( a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 36( b) is a plan view asseen from the top of the head. The perspective view of the mounted stateis the same as that shown in FIG. 71.

As is seen from a comparison of FIG. 72( a) and FIG. 36( b), the hollowpart 2 a of the mounting part 15 does not reach as far as the rear partof the mounting part 15 in the working configuration shown in FIG. 36,and has only a depth that is sufficient for the insertion of thesupporting part 13. Furthermore, the display part 11 is not made to beremovable from the supporting part 13, and is formed as an integral partof the supporting part 13.

A switch 94 is disposed in the deep inside part of the hollow part 15 a;the fact that the supporting part 13 is attached can be detected by thecontact of the contact part 94 a of this switch with the supporting part13. It is ascertained by means of this switch whether the head mounteddisplay is being used on the left eye or being used on the right eye,and the image display can be controlled accordingly.

In cases where the display part 11 is to be used on the right eye, thiscan be accomplished by an operation in which the supporting part 13 ispulled out of the mounting part 15 (in the state shown in the figure),turned upside down by a 180-degree rotation in the left-right direction,and inserted into the hollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15 on theright side as seen from the face.

In the present working configuration as well, there is nothing blockingthe visual field of the eye on the opposite side, either when the headmounted display main body is used on the left eye, or when this headmounted display main body is used on the right eye; accordingly, thereis no bothersome feeling.

(Fiftieth Working Configuration)

FIG. 75 is a schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a fiftiethworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.The constructions of the mounting part 15 and holding parts 19 in thisworking configuration are the same as in the working configuration shownin FIG. 36. The figure shows a state in which the display part 11 isbeing used on the right eye. In this working configuration, a microphone22 is attached using the open hollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15on the left side of the face.

Specifically, a plug part 22 a is attached to the microphone 22, and themicrophone 22 is fastened to the mounting part 15 by inserting this plugpart 22 a into the hollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15. The figureshows a state in which the display part 11 is being used on the righteye; however, in cases where the display part 11 is to be used on theleft eye, it goes without saying that the supporting part 13 is attachedto the hollow part 15 a on the left side of the face, and the microphone12 is attached to the hollow part 15 a on the left side of the face.

In the present working configuration as well, there is nothing blockingthe visual field of the eye on the opposite side, either when the headmounted display main body is used on the left eye, or when this headmounted display main body is used on the right eye; accordingly, thereis no bothersome feeling.

(Fifty-First Working Configuration)

FIG. 76 is a schematic diagram showing the mounted state in a case wherethe main body part of a head mounted display constituting a fifty-firstworking configuration of the present invention is mounted on the head.The constructions of the mounting part 15 and holding parts 19 in thisworking configuration are the same as in the working configuration shownin FIG. 36. The figure shows a state in which the display part 11 isbeing used on the right eye. In this working configuration, a cap 23 isinserted into the open hollow part 15 a of the mounting part 15 on theleft side of the face, so that this hollow part 15 a is covered. In thisway, it is possible to prevent dust or the like from entering the openhollow part 15 a.

1. A head mounted display comprising: a display part for displayingimages to a wearer, the display part including a two-dimensional displayelement and an ocular optical system that forms a false imagecorresponding to a display screen of the two-dimensional displayelement, wherein the display part controls image data that is displayedon the two-dimensional display element in accordance with a positionalrelationship between the two-dimensional display element and the wearer,a mounting part which holds the display part and which is mountable onthe wearer in a position other than a position in front of the face ofthe wearer, wherein the mounting part mounts the display part on thehead of the wearer so that a position where the false image is formed issubstantially in front of an eye of the wearer, a circuit part whichdisplays images on the display screen of the two-dimensional displayelement, and which is configured to alter a display magnification rateof the images on the display screen, an adjustment mechanism foradjusting a positional relationship between the eve of the wearer andthe display part, wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed in themounting part, and a measurement unit, which is provided on the displaypart, for measuring a distance between the eye of the wearer and thedisplay part to acquire data relating to a variation in the distance,wherein the circuit part alters the display magnification rate inaccordance with the data acquired by the measurement unit.
 2. The headmounted display according to claim 1, further comprising an input unitfor inputting instructions from the wearer, wherein the circuit partalters the display magnification rate in accordance with theinstructions that are input via the input unit.
 3. The head mounteddisplay according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit forcausing displacement of a distance between the two-dimensional displayelement and the ocular optical system in relative terms, a storage unitfor storing information relating to the distance between thetwo-dimensional display element and the ocular optical system, and acontrol unit for controlling the driving unit based on the informationrelating to the distance between the two-dimensional display element andthe ocular optical system stored in the storage unit.
 4. The headmounted display according to claim 3, further comprising a detectionunit for detecting an up and down in the display part, and wherein, inaccordance with an output of the detection unit, the control unitobtains information relating to the distance between the two-dimensionaldisplay element and the ocular optical system stored in the storageunit, and sets the driving unit.
 5. The head mounted display accordingto claim 4, further comprising a setting unit for setting the distancebetween the two-dimensional display element and the ocular opticalsystem, and wherein, in accordance with an output of the setting unit,the control unit obtains information relating to the distance betweenthe two-dimensional display element and the ocular optical system storedin the storage unit, and sets the driving unit.
 6. The head mounteddisplay according to claim 3, further comprising a setting unit forsetting the distance between the two-dimensional display element and theocular optical system, and wherein, in accordance with an output of thesetting unit, the control unit obtains information relating to thedistance between the two-dimensional display element and the ocularoptical system stored in the storage unit, and sets the driving unit. 7.The head mounted display according to claim 1, wherein the mounting partdirectly holds the display part.
 8. The head mounted display accordingto claim 1, wherein the mounting part indirectly holds the display part.9. The head mounted display according to claim 1, wherein the displaypart further includes: a display device part which includes thetwo-dimensional display element and a first holding frame that holds thetwo-dimensional display element, and an optical lens part which includesthe ocular optical system that forms the false image corresponding tothe display screen of the two-dimensional display element, and a secondholding frame that holds the ocular optical system, wherein the firstholding frame is supported on the second holding frame such that thefirst holding frame can move in a direction of an optical axis of theocular optical system.